Out & About: Becker II/Northern Lynx

#3 posting 10.31.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
BECKER DIVISION
BECKER II 37, NORTHERN LYNX 36

This game didn't fit the others with last second dramatics even though the score was tight. Becker II held on to the charging Lynx for the narrow one point win. The game was a bit odd and I am sure went into the books as a forfeit, because the Northern Lynx only had three players that showed up to start the contest. The game was delayed and they "borrowed" some Becker players to fill the roster. The Lynx have had to deal with the Christensen tragedy.

This game also featured three future Gophers with the Mastey twins and Amber Dvorak.

Becker scored their first 12 points all off of 3s. All this occurred in the first nine possessions and Alex Crapser led the way with three of her four 3s. Brianna Mastey hit the other for the Becker Bomb Squad. After that things quieted down quickly. Becker had a 1/8 offensive sequence while the Lynx finished the half 1/13. The Lynx were not in sync as you can expect with a hodge podge of players thrown together without knowing each others tendencies. Becker led at half time 19-11.

The Lynx got familiar with each other at half time and Amber Dvorak came to life as she had nothing in the first half. The Lynx scored the first 8 points of the second half to tie the game at 19. Dvorak had 4 in the run. Becker's offense awoke from their slumber and went on a 12-6 run to make it 31-25. Becker scored on 5 of 7 possessions with Crapser again hitting two more from beyond the arc. Becker maintained the six point margin with five minutes remaining. The Lynx had a final push with a 7-2 run. Strangely enough it was led by Rachel Gilbert of Becker who had a three and an old fashioned three with 25.1 seconds left for the final margin 37-36. Dvorak stole the ball on an errant Becker pass, but Fitz's pass was in turn stolen to finish the game.

photos: #1 Amber Dvorak going over Brianna Mastey for a shot. #2: you aren't seeing double, that is Nicole Mastey being fouled by twin Brianna. #3: Brianna driving to the basket around Katie Brommenschenkel. photos by kja

BECKER II
STARTERS
Rey Robinson 0, 7, 0.0, .000 left handed big perimeter. shot was not there today
Alex Crapser 15, 8, 187.5, .625 was golden behind the arc. a true zone buster. you can't giver her time to set up. or she will break your hearts. undervalued shooter. totally under the radar with higher profile teammates around her. She can shoot.
Brianna Mastey 8, 8, 100.0, .500 the main engine. was very active on defense in the first half. Runs the floor. Is the center of attention. Has range, can go inside, can handle the ball. Sells popcorn at half time.
Molly Brown 6, 8, 75.0, .375 found herself in the thick of the action at all times
Amanda Kangas 0, 0, 0.0, .000
BENCH
Nicole Cody 6, 9, 66.7, .333 guard
Kaila Lindsay 2, 3, 66.7, .333 perimeter

NORTHERN LYNX
STARTERS
Nicole Mastey, Becker 1, 2, 50.0, .500 played only briefly before leaving. Had played in two other games before filling in.
Amber Dvorak, Hinckley-Finlayson 13, 11, 118.2, .636 6-7 center. playing at this pace is only beneficial. was shut out in the first half, came out stronger in the second. has turn around move off the glass from the block. keeps the ball nice and extremely high. anticipates well on defense and had three steals on the day. needs to pad her defensive rebounding stats.
Melissa Fitz, Mpls Southwest 8, 11, 72.7, .273 point guard. has aggressive attitude on scoring. hit a pair of 3s in the first half. Needs to be consistent, had nothing in the second half.
Melinda Scherf, Norman County West 6, 6, 100.0, .500 at 6-2 overlooked with Dvorak on the floor. strong frame. has athletic ability. another who is helped by playing at the faster tempo.
Callie Thompson, Becker 0, 3, 0.0, .000 guard
BENCH
Katie Brommenschenkel, Norman County West 0, 4, 0.0, .000 forward
Rachel Gilbert, Becker 8, 8, 100.0, .375 point guard. a volunteer. turned it up a notch late when the game was on the line. Had six quick points in the last two minutes of play. can hit the 3 and score when hit. decisions and playing with the same urgency throughout the contest need to be developed.

TRENCH PLAYER
Alex Crapser

BY THE NUMBERS
Becker II 37, 43, 86.0, .372
Northern Lynx 36, 45, 80.0, .378
made 3s: Becker 6, NL 3
made fts: NL 9, Becker 1
bench: Becker 8, NL 8

If you notice the Lynx floor % was slightly better with six points less in the pp100. That is what 3 point shooting can do for a team.

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
BECKER II
Rey Robinson 5
Brianna Mastey 5
Alex Crapser 4
Kaila Lindsay 4
Nicole Cody 2
Amanda Kangas 2
Molly Brown 1
totals: 23

NORTHERN LYNX
Amber Dvorak 6.5
Malinda Scherf 5
Katie Brommenschenkel 2 Callie Thompson 2
Rachel Gilbert 1.5
Melissa Fitz 1
totals: 18

Next up: tomorrow morning

Previews: Big 10, Missouri Valley

#2 posting 10.31.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

GOPHERS
There is a battle for the starting center spot on the Gopher squad with Ashley Ellis-Milan (St. Paul Central) and Zoe Harper vying for the position. Minnesota opens its Exhibition season tonight at 7 pm against MSU Mankato. From the StarTribune.
Big 10 Network: Coach Borton and Emily Fox think that the Big 10 Network will be beneficial all around. From the Minnesota Daily.

FORMER BADGERS NOW ASSISTANTS
Three former Wisconsin Badgers are now working as assistants at the D1 level: Stephanie Rich at St. Louis, Kyle (Black) Rechlicz at Dayton, and Annie (Nelson) Thomas at Cleveland State. From a test blog at the Capital Times.

MISSOURI VALLEY
Drake is picked as the #1 team to beat in the Missouri Valley Conference. You can listen to audio of the Media Day held yesterday.
Drake Coach Stephens is eager to start the year. From the Des Moines Register.
Creighton has been picked for 6th.
Northern Iowa has been picked 8th. Coach Warren has been impressed by the squad so far. From the Mason City Globe Gazette.

UW GREEN BAY
Senior Kayla Groh (Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah) has been compared to Lindsey Whalen. From the Sheboygan Press.
Freshman Kayla Tetschlag (Sheboygan North) will be counted on to provide meaningful minutes this season. From the Sheboygan Press.

D3
Senior led Albion has high hopes this season.

NAIA
Minot State played their third game on Sunday and topped Brandon 86-45. Kendra Meyer (Prior Lake) had 18 to lead MSU.
Last Friday Western Montana beat MSU 58-55. On Saturday MSU beat Montana Tech 85-74. From the Minot Daily News.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: later today with the Becker II vs Northern Lynx Fall league game.

Miss Basketball? and Granny Ball

#1 posting 10.31.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

MISS BASKETBALL?
A North Dakota Miss Basketball candidate also excels at volleyball. Ashley Privratsky of Devils Lake looks back at her volleyball career. From the Devils Lake Journal.

GRANNY BALL
There is a new granny basketball league in Goodhue County. From the Rochester Post Bulletin.

AAU TRYOUTS
UPDATED Tryout Dates for Minnesota Stars

14U teams – The Minnesota Stars will hold 14U tryouts Saturday, November 10 at Bloomington JEFFERSON Activity Center, from 10 AM to 12 Noon.

11U-13U teams The Minnesota Stars will hold the second tryout at the Bloomington KENNEDY Activity Center on Tuesday, November 13, from 6:30 - 9:00 PM for our 2008.

You can attend if you did not attend the first tryout!

Please us an email at thested@charter.net if you plan to attend. You can also register the day of the tryouts.

Please call Tim Hested (507)399-9120 or Tom Eckmann (319) 750-9849 with questions.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: college reports

Andover Coaching Change

#6 posting 10.30.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

ANDOVER COACHING CHANGE
Al Reff was relieved of his duties as Head Coach of the Girls Basketball Team, and was replaced by Ray Brodeur. Reff was arrested in Minneapolis earlier in the month. Brodeur is the 8th grade traveling coach.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow morning.

Out & About: Moorhead-West Central/Albany

#5 postings 10.30.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
Becker Division
MOORHEAD/WEST CENTRAL 41, ALBANY huskies 38

Kelsey Jacobson, a Florida Gulf Coast verbal, had 15 points, all on 3s including the shot from the right corner for the win in a Moorhead/West Central win over Albany. MWC trailed by as many as 14 in the the second half before mounting their stunning comeback. Much of this story could have been written by Dickens---it was the best of halves, it was the worst of halves.

For Albany their "best of halves" came in the first. The Huskies broke free from a six all tie with nine unanswered points on a 5/6 scoring sequence. Jennie Noreen and Hannah Hylla each had four points in the outburst. All this occurred as MWC was stuck in neutral for eight straight possessions. Albany wasn't finished with their hot hand yet. They had another 6/7 scoring sequence on a 9-3 run to make it 25-11. So for 15 possessions Albany was firing at 126.7 pp100 clip. The problem for Albany was that they were leaving four points at the line. Moorhead also left one more at the line with five missed opportunities. The last score, not the last possession, came by Jacobson's hand from the top of the key. It was her first points of the day. Jennie Noreen had 9 points at half for Albany.

Noreen hit a three to start the half to make it 28-14 Albany. Jacobson answered right back with another of her favorite shots. MWC then went into an offensive hibernation for the next five possessions. Albany also was in an offensive rut going 1/6. Moorhead started their comeback with a 3/4 sequence near the 14 minute mark. Cassie Hooten turned it up a notch on defense and that seemed to get MWC off in the right direction. Hooten had five defensive stops in the first 10 Albany possessions. MWC had a 8-1 run to cut the margin to 31-25. On the next Albany possession the Huskies scored three points. One on a Taylor Voss free throw, and then a rebound basket by Brittany Schieber. Until that time Albany was 2/12 or 25 pp100 and a floor % of .167. That is c-c-c-cold. Five of those possessions were turnovers. Still with 8 minutes to go Albany led 36-25. Another, more frigid offensive sequence coupled with a resurgent MWC offense made the game more interesting. Albany went 7 straight trips without scoring. This time the Huskies left 8 points at the line. MWC went on an 13-0 tear capped by a Cassie Hooten driving lay up for a 38-36 MWC lead. Taylor Voss had one free throw, and then Noreen added another one possession later for the tie. A travel call with under a minute gave the ball back to Albany. They worked it down and the Huskies found a wide open Schieber under the basket. The shot didn't drop and Kelsey Jacobson got the rebound. A time out with 10 seconds left set up the dramatics. Jacobson was fouled and the ball was out of bounds with 3.1 left. Jacobson rubbed off screens for a clean look in the right corner.

It should be noted that Sam Larsen was not available for Albany.

This game also featured three other players that have verballed. Jennie Noreen to MSU Mankato; Taylor Voss to SW MN State and Krystal Lacey to Northern State.

photos: #1 That is Hannah Hylla hidden between Mikaela Stephenson and Cassie Hooten. #2 Jennie Noreen after a drive down the lane, Stephenson is the Moorhead player. #3 Jacobson lets the game winner fly with 3 seconds left. photos by kja

MOORHEAD/WEST CENTRAL
STARTERS
Taylor Brekke, West Central 4, 6, 66.7, .333 perimeter. lean, athletic
Kelsey Jacobson, Moorhead 15, 12, 125.0, .417 clutch 3 pt shooter. looks for chances to use screens.
Krystal Lacey, West Central 4, 6, 66.7, .333 strong frame
Delaine Ronhovde, West Central 1, 2, 50.0, .500 perimeter
Cassie Hooten, Moorhead 9, 10, 90.0, .500 post. aggressive attitude started the fire in the second half. starting to face basket more. Looking for drive opportunities. Will crash both ends.
BENCH
Lisa Torgerson, West Central 4, 7, 57.1, .286 perimeter
Mikaela Stephenson, Moorhead 4, 4, 100.0, .500 post player, younger (sophomore) has a strong build and should improve as the snowflakes fly. She will help Hooten out inside
Kelsey Johnson, Moorhead 0, 2, 0.0, .000 guard.

ALBANY
STARTERS
Taylor Voss 11, 11, 100.0, .455 can play multitude of spots. Was inside during mismatches. is strong and aggressive. strong enough to score when hit. Needs to stay away from sidelines when bringing up the ball. 3/7 at the line needs to improve.
Jennie Noreen 13, 14, 92.9, .500 can score on the drive, pull up, and 3.
Hannah Hylla 11, 10, 110.0, .600 starting to stretch her wings. can run the floor. can score in the paint and off the glass.
Rebecca DeGeest 1, 4, 25.0, .000 guard
Brittany Roering 0, 4, 0.0, .000 guard. both the above look to Voss and Noreen.
BENCH
Brittany Scheiber 2, 6, 33.3, .167 inside player. needs to improve quickness/feet

TRENCH PLAYER
Kelsey Jacobson

BY THE NUMBERS
Moorhead-West Central 41, 49, 83.7, .388
Albany 38, 49, 77.6, .429
made 3s: MWC 5, Albany 1
made fts: Albany 8, MWC 5
bench: MWC 8, Albany 2
At least 10 points directly can be tied to second chancers for MWC.

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
MOORHEAD-WEST CENTRAL
Cassie Hooten 8
Kelsey Jacobson 5
Mikaela Stephenson 5
Delaine Ronhovde 2
Taylor Brekke 1
Krystal Lacey 1
Kelsey Johnson 1
totals 23

ALBANY
Taylor Voss 10
Brittany Scheiber 4
Jennie Noreen 4
Hannah Hylla 3
Rebecca DeGeest 2
Brittany Roering 1
totals: 24

Next up: tomorrow unless news breaks like yesterday

Indiana 2008 5, Indiana 2009 1

#4 posting 10.30.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

INDIANA RECRUITS
2008s
Taylor Epley, 6-0, Castle, Coastal Carolina. Epley averaged 7.7 ppg last year. Castle was 19-5 last year. From the Evansville Courier Press.
Danielle Havel, 6-1, Carmel, DePaul. Havel averaged 15.9 ppg last year. Carmel was 16-5 last year. from the Indianapolis Star.
Kristen Kluempers, 6-1, Fishers, Marshall University. Kluempers averaged 8.9 ppg last year. Fishers was 12-11 last year. From RegionalRoundball.com.
Lisa Samplawski, 5-9, Portage, Loyola (Ill.). Samplawski averaged 16.7 ppg last year. Portage was 16-9 last year. From the Munster Times.
Lauren Taylor, 6-1, Brownsburg, New Mexico. Taylor averaged 19.5 ppg last year. Brownsburg was 5-17 last year. From the RegionalRoundball.com.

With these five verbals Indiana's 2008 class now has 21 total verbals to D1 schools.

2009
Lily Svete, 6-2, Mishawaka Penn, Florida. Mishawaka Penn was 16-9 last year. From the Gainesville Sun.

Svete is the first player from the Indiana 2009 class to verbal.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

Next up: Moorhead-West Central vs Albany

Guest Writer: A Parent's Guide to Choosing an AAU Team

#3 posting 10.30.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

Today, in this article I am handing off to a guest writer. Today's subject is

A PARENT'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING AN AAU TEAM
Now that summer’s over and the school season is upon us, you may think it’s okay to forget about AAU. Not really. Auditions for AAU teams are right around the corner, and your daughter may be lucky enough to either have the talent to be recruited, or have an interest in playing AAU in the summer. But like everything that involves your kids, you may want to take a reality check about what she (and you) honestly want from your AAU experience. As you will soon see, there are lots of things to think about when you pick an AAU team. Here are my handy tips from years of experience watching from the bleachers , sitting behind the steering wheel of a rental van, or catching a plane with four 6’ tall kids carrying their basketball and uniform in a carry-on.

Define Your Objective and Budget: What does your player want from AAU? Exposure on a national stage? Added team building with her high school program? A chance to play with different girls and experience a different coaching style? There are teams for every objective, and they are often priced accordingly. Many team fees can range from $350-$950. And that doesn’t count the cost of travel. Look at the schedule of games. Out of town? Out of state? That’s going to take time and money. Not just for you and your kid. But how will it affect the siblings, and the other parent? Is your employer understanding? Will your daughter realize it will take away from precious summer and social time? All of these things should be considered as you decide if you want a high-profile team as opposed to a local or high school team

Look at team websites. You’ll find a handy list of team links on the right-hand side of this blog: You’d be amazed how many people will be checking that team site at some time throughout the summer. Websites have become a great tool for college coaches, along with interested family members. Look at the information, review the season schedule and check the roster profiles. Is everything easy to find, with team policies and fees stated out in the open? Good sign. Are there a lot of typos..especially with player names? Bad sign. If they pay that little attention to the spelling of your kid’s name, how can you guarantee they will take that much care when the real thing is sitting next to them on the bench? Many of the high school age rosters are now featuring detailed bios on players. That’s a nice thing to have, especially as a resource for the college coaches. But see above note on typos. Profiles are great, but if there are typos, let the buyer beware.

Coaching: Who is being hired by the AAU programs to coach? Some high school coaches also coach AAU. Some AAU coaches only coach during those sanctioned programs. Don’t feel bad about asking around regarding coaching styles or the coach’s references. This is your kid; you would do the same researching a new car.

Fees: See note above regarding your budget. Fees vary as much as the number of exposure events in July. Make sure you are comfortable with what you are paying, and go ahead, ask the program director to see the financial statement They don’t have to show it to you, but how they react may give you a clue where the bulk of the money is going. Don’t expect that a high fee guarantees a Division One scholarship. There are many cases of players being discovered while at high school, or at a college camp. Your child may get high exposure, but always remember her skills will also be evaluated amongst those other high profile players. And ask if there are scholarships. Some programs want to offer low-income kids a chance to be part of their team and may offer scholarships to skilled players who otherwise may not be able to afford the team.

Uniforms: Do the colors complement your player? Okay, maybe that is a bit much, but hey, it’s a long summer. I’m a big believer that if you look good, you play good. That said, pay special attention to the logo on the sponsored teams. Nike and Adidas have found AAU basketball to be an important place to sponsor teams, tournaments and players. So if your daughter is being recruited by one of those sponsored teams, you will probably take part in a couple of those brands’ sponsored tourneys. Elite teams may also get free shoes or gym bags. Don’t expect it, but be prepared to have to use those freebies during said sponsored tourneys. Something to know if you daughter requires a certain type of shoe.

Fun Factor: You may think the memories remaining for an AAU team involve games and winning shots. Sure, that’s part of it, but you would be surprised how many special moments happen while teammates are packed in a car trying to figure out the map to find a gym. Or during jokes played in a hotel lobby, or even waiting in line for yet another table for twenty-five at an Applebee’s. You will be sitting next to a lot of these folks all summer, and will be amazed at how close you will all get. Make sure the program believes in the fun factor, too.

What’s the Catch? Every program has one. Is it high profile, but has no promise of equal playing time? All-star players, but practices are two hours away? Lower fees, but a limited number of events out of town? Flashy uniforms, but no real reputation amongst college coaches? Mostly school teammates, but fewer showcase tournaments? Just know the info ahead of time, and you can prevent any confusion once you are in the thick of the season.

Get some references: $350-950 is a lot of money, and giving up your summer as well as disrupting your family is a big deal. Do your homework. Talk to your child’s school coach and get their feedback. Playing AAU means improvement for the school season, so coaches will usually be positive. They may also help you decide which level is the best for your kid, or help give advice on certain coaching styles. Talk to parents/players from the past season. Now that the euphoria of the final games from last summer is over, or the grind of endless travel has died down, you can hear the real truth.

Get Ready to Have Fun! Basketball is still just a game. Enjoy being able to watch girls becoming better athletes. Be a positive influence whenever you can. One college coach told me she will make special notes on which parents are being unruly and uncouth during games, or which players throw their water bottles at their parents to have them filled. How you and your daughter carry yourself will be on display as much as her crossover dribble. At the end of the day, it’s important to have a great time, and have realistic expectations for what AAU could mean regarding a potential college opportunity. That will take care of itself.

From Guest Writer Seashells and Balloons

Thanks to the guest writer for the column.

Next up: Moorhead vs Albany later today, unless other news breaks.

Previews from D1 to CC

#2 posting 10.30.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

GOPHERS
Minnesota will host MSU Mankato on Halloween starting a 7 pm. There will a volleyball game at the Pavilion that night too, so parking may not be the greatest. Here is the two page press release from Minnesota on the upcoming Mankato game.

PREVIEWS
D1
6-6 Krista Phillips looms large in the Michigan plans. From the Michigan Daily.

There is a long line of fans for Wisconsin's Jolene Anderson. From the Capital Times.

Wisconsin coach Lisa Stone has connections to two of the four new coaches in the Big 10. From the Capital Times.

Northern Iowa is young and has a new head coach in Tanya Warren. From the Des Moines Register including a capsule of the Panthers.

NAIA
Mayville State was ranked last year and the Comets are aiming for a return trip. From the Grand Forks Herald.

Dani Kraai is a two sport athlete at Cornerstone. From the Holland Sentinel.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bismarck State is adjusting with their point guard situation. From the Bismarck Tribune.

Jerry Jerome is the new coach at Southeastern Community College in Iowa and their season is previewed in the Burlington Hawk Eye. Jerome previously was the girls basketball coach at Keokuk.

St. Clair County Community College in Michigan is previewed in the Port Huron Times Herald.

COACHING NEWS
NEW ROLE
Former Flint Powers Catholic coach Kathy McGee is now the assistant coach at Central Michigan. Her transition to her new job is told by the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun.

Holly Grimsrud is a new assistant at St. Olaf. She played her high school ball at Zumbrota-Mazeppa (2003) and just graduated from St. O this spring. At the tail end of the Rochester Post Bulletin column.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: guest writer

Dreams, Predicitions, and Chinese Evaluations

#1 posting 10.30.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

FALL LEAGUE
The Simley Girls Basketball Fall League was a one day event run by the MYAS. This is part of their Winter Training series. This week the action shifts to Osseo. It looks as if it is supposed to be a four team event, but only two teams are listed: Trojans (my guess Wayzata) and Irondale.

BREAKDOWN PREDICTIONS
The Breakdown book will be out on November 7. Until then their site is releasing some information and yesterday it was the top four teams in each class.

FOLLOWING DREAMS
KMEG TV in Iowa has a report on Jennifer Azzi and the camp she held in LeMars last Saturday.

REPORT FROM.....CHINA?
Here is the China Daily with a report on the Chinese City Games, kind of a proving ground for future Olympic athletes. The interesting thing in this report is the quotes from the coaches and the way they critique the players. for example "They should have been physically stronger and strengthen their footwork."

Thanks to the readers for the help. Yesterday was a whopping 7 postings. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

Next up: college reports, later today Moorhead vs Albany

Barnes Out

#9 posting 10.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BARNES OUT
Jordan Barnes of Minnesota (and Hopkins HS) has been lost for the year due to an ACL injury. From the StarTribune.

Next up: tomorrow.

7 Illinois Verbals

#8 posting 10.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

ILLINOIS RECENT VERBALS
There have been seven recent verbals from Illinois.
Candace Sykes, 5-10, Momence to Alabama. Momence was 27-2 last year. From the Alan Sutton blog in the Chicago Tribune.
Lana Rukavina, 6-3, Wheeling to Illinois. Rukavina averaged 12.6 ppg last year. Wheeling was 23-7.
Olivia Lett, 6-0, Pana to Southern Illinois. Pana was 21-9.
D'Frantz Smart, 5-1, Chicago Whitney Young to Rice. Whitney Young was 26-4.
Miranda Tate, 6-0, Bolingbrook to Temple. Bolingbrook was 32-2.
Madeline Kish, 5-9, Orland Park (Carl Sandburg) to Eastern Illinois. Sandburg was 10-19.
Leah Kassing, 6-3, Brown County to Bradley. Brown County was 12-11.

These seven bring the Illinois 2008 verbal total to 23 overall and 22 to D1 verbals.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have verbals, or news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow morning

Out & About: St. Michael-Albertville/Champlin Park

#7 posting 10.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
Becker Division
ST. MICHAEL-ALBERTVILLE knights 36
CHAMPLIN PARK rebels 34

St. Michael-Albertville took an early lead, saw it evaporate, built it back up, saw CP tie it, before Kasandra Barthel took the ball coast to coast for the winning lay up in a 36-34 heart stopper. It was a one two punch for CP as Laura Bruce and Jasmine Darden combined for 33 of the Rebels 34 points. STMA had a one punch in Barthel, but had four players that managed to find the bottom of the basket.

Right from the opening tip Barthel put her stamp on the game with a layup. She had 16 points in the first half alone with aggressive attacks to the basket and five points at the line. CP had five made free throws the entire game. However only Tiffany Wisker was the only other Knight to score in the first half. There were some droughts involved in the first half. CP had a five possession dry spell. STMA avoid major empty possessions. The Knights led by as much as 18-12 with 4:30 to go. CP finished the half with an 11-4 run capped by a trey by Jasmine Darden to make it 23-22

The difference in the second half was Bruce did most of the heavy lifting on offense with Darden hitting two free throws for CP. Bruce scored four points to put the Rebels up 27-23. Droughts were inevitable when no help was forthcoming for Bruce. They had a six and a seven sandwiched around a Bruce bucket for a 1/14 string. STMA also had a five possession drought. They broke free from that drought with four straight scores on a 6-0 run to put the Knights up 34-29. Then, as quickly as the scoring run started, STMA fell into a six possession hole. That opened the door for CP. Bruce scored a put back and then with under 10 seconds to go hit a three to tie the game at 34. It smelled like overtime. Barthel didn't want to go extra time and took the ball from one end to the other and hit the lay up to give the Knights a dramatic win. CP did have one more chance, but the half court shot didn't drop.

Both teams had different fortunes in their next game. CP played Becker I and again hit a dramatic 3 to tie it. This time it was Jessica Hoffman that hit an underhand scoop 3 to tie it. In the overtime Shelly Stemper put Becker up 25-24 with her free throw. Tarah Flahavan was fouled with 1.2 seconds left and made both of her tosses to put CP on top 26-25.

STMA faced neighboring Mississippi 8 rival Rogers. Rogers had a double digit win in that contest.

It also should be noted that neither team was at full strength. Champlin Park's two players were out due to non basketball injuries. Ashley Witte was injured in a powder puff football game, and Ali Schmidt broke her toe going up stairs.

photos: #1 CP's Laura Bruce is surrounded by STMA defenders. #2 CP's Jasmine Darden is floating through the lane on the way to two of her 14 points. #3 STMA's Kasandra Barthel scores the game winner. photos by kja

ST. MICHAEL-ALBERTVILLE
STARTERS
Kasandra Barthel 23, 14, 164.3, .786 the spark plug. took over, grabbed the game by the throat. aggressively attacked basket. also has 3 point range with two on the day. is strong enough to score when hit. On top of that she had 7 stops, the tops for both teams.
Carly Rothstein 3, 7, 42.9, .286 has a knee brace. went to the basket hard. got on the floor for loose balls. stops need to be cleaner, on balance.
Angy Gavere 0, 6, 0.0, .000 over dribbles, needs to make moves with less bouncing
Stacy Hegland 2, 4, 50.0, .250
Lexi Thompson 3, 8, 37.5, .250 handled ball, needs to keep vision up. went to the line for her points.
BENCH
Tiffany Wisker 5, 8, 62.5, .375 strong frame, scored on the drive
Holly Kotila 0, 4, 0.0, .000

CHAMPLIN PARK
STARTERS
Laura Bruce 19, 16, 118.8, .563 the leader on the floor. Strong, aggressive. has good elevation on the jump shot. made clutch shot
Tarah Flahavan 0, 10, 0.0, .000 guard, reacted negatively to physical play
Jessica Hoffman 1, 5, 20.0, .200 left handed, athletic, crashed boards
Jazmine Darden 14, 10, 140.0, .600 quick, can score in and out. has explosive drive. can hit the 3 (two on the day). didn't deliver much in the second half however
Abby McDaniel 0, 3, 0.0, .000 another guard, good shot form. needs to improve vision on the dribble
BENCH
Anna Huemann 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Alana Eason 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Ashley Metcalfe 0, 3, 0.0, .000 needs to be ready for the ball.

TRENCH PLAYER
Kasandra Barthel up for a shot with Jessica Hoffman defending. photo by kja

BY THE NUMBERS
STMA 36, 51, 70.6, .373
Champlin Park 34, 52, 65.4, .308
made 3s: CP 3, STMA 2
made fts: STMA 12, CP 5
bench: STMA 5, CP 0

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
STMA
Kasandra Barthel 7
Carly Rothstein 4
Stacy Hegland 3
Lexi Thompson 3
Angy Gavere 2
Tiffany Wisker 2
totals: 21

CHAMPLIN PARK
Jasmine Darden 6
Laura Bruce 5
Tarah Flahavan 4
Jessica Hoffman 4
Ashley Metcalfe 4
Abby McDaniel 3
Alana Eason 1
totals 27

next up: even more verbals

Viehauser Verbals

#6 posting 10.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

VIEHAUSER VERBALS
Amanda Viehauser, Armstrong, has verballed UW Milwaukee. The 6-2 center averaged 12.4 ppg for the 12-14 AAAA Falcons last year. She has played varsity ball since her 8th grade year, the first three seasons at Minneapolis Washburn. Viehauser made the AP honorable mention All State list, St. Paul Pioneer Press honorable Mention list, and was All Conference in the Classic Lake in 2007.

Viehauser played her summer ball for North Tartan Larson.

This is the 38th player overall from the Minnesota 2008 class to verbal and the 18th to verbal a D1 school.

This is 8/8 for NTL this season in scholarships. North Tartan has sent 24 of 27 players to D1, and 2 to D2, and one full academic scholarship to a D1 school in the last three years.

From North Tartan program's beginning 315 scholarship have been delivered.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: finally STMA and Champlin Park

3 More Michigan Verbals

#5 posting 10.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

THREE MORE MICHIGAN VERBALS

Ariel Hatcher a 5-10 wing/forward from Monroe has verbally committed to the College of Charleston. Class A Monroe was 16-4 last year. Hatcher was honorable mention in the West in the Detroit papers last year.

Lauren Allen a 5-4 point guard from Warren Woods Tower has verbally committed to Southern Connecticut. Class A Warren Woods Tower was 22-3 last year. Allen was honorable mention in the East in the Detroit papers last year.

Tricia Principe, Mattawan has verbally committed to Ferris State. The 5-8 guard averaged 21 ppg last year for the 14-7 Class A Wildcats.
Pincipe made the Class A BCAM Honorable Mention team last year and was also all conference in the Southwestern conference.

from the Michigan Lady Ballers.

The above three are the 19th, 20th and 21st players to verbal from the Michigan 2008 class.

Hatcher is the 12th to verbal a D1 school.
Allen and Principe are the 7th and 8th to verbal a D2 school.

Principe is the 2nd to head to Ferris State. Lindsey Pettit of Portland is also headed to Ferris.
Allen is the 2nd to verbal from Warren Woods Tower. Jessica Trambley verballed Grand Valley State.

thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: STMA & Champlin Park

Mississippi 8, Missota Previews

#4 posting 10.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

FURY PREVIEWS
The Minnesota Fury have overcome their technical difficulties and now have their girls basketball preseason previews up for the Mississippi 8; and Missota conferences; They still are working to get the others up.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up; St. Michael-Albertville vs Champlin Park

Three Michigan Verbals

#3 posting 10.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

THREE MICHIGAN VERBALS
Troya Berry a 6-1 Power Forward from Flint Hamady High School in Michigan, has verbally committed to Syracuse University. Hamady was 24-2 last year.

Rachel Church, Midland Bullock Creek, has made a verbal to Northwood. The 5-7 guard made the Class B 4th team from the BCAM. Bullock Creek was 19-4 last year.

Kelly Defauw, Grosse Pointe North has also made a verbal to Northwood. The 5-6 point guard was class A honorable mention from the BCAM. . GPN was 22-2 last year.

From the Michigan Lady Ballers.

Berry is the 11th player overall in the Michigan 2008 class to verbal a D1 school.

Church and Defauw are the 5th & 6th player overall in the Michigan 2008 class to verbal a D2 school.

All three are the 16th, 17th, and 18th players overall to verbal.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: out & about later today St. Michael-Albertville vs Champlin Park

More Big 10 Previews

#2 posting 10.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

SEASON OPENER
Mayville State opened their season this past weekend, by competing in the Mayville State Classic. Mayville State defeated Brandon University on Friday night 76-52. The Comets were led by Laura BigCrow (Pine Ridge, SD) who scored 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, Nikki Munneke (Centennial, MN) scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.

On Saturday night the Comets defeated the University of Winnipeg 75-57. The Comets were led in scoring by Cassie Leraas (Northern Cass, ND) who scored 20 points and Laura BigCrow who scored 17 points.

There are five Minnesota players on the Mayville State roster. North Dakota also has five.

BIG 10 PREVIEWS
Dennis Brackin of the StarTribune looks at the upcoming Big 10 season with their media day yesterday.
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder is the longest tenured coach in the Big 10. The Des Moines Register looks at the Hawkeyes chances.
Jolene Anderson of Wisconsin is the preseason player of the year. From the Wisconsin State Journal.
Michigan State and Michigan are at different ends of the spectrum. MSU has 6-9 Alyssa DeHaan back. From the Detroit Free Press.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PREVIEWS
North Iowa has some early season injuries. One of the players at North Iowa is St. Paul Central's De Aubrey Johnson. From the Mason City Globe Gazette.

The CC basketball season tips off this weekend with the Schoolcraft Tip-Off Classic in Michigan.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile & email me.

Next up: another verbal.

Simley Fall League

#1 posting 10.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

MORE FALL LEAGUES
There is another girls basketball fall league going on right now other than the two Breakdown divisions and it takes place at Simley. St. Paul Central yesterday had a forfeit win, but played a split Irondale team at 10 am. SPC won 36-15. In SPC's next game they blew past Irondale #2 83-17 in the Noon game. In the third game of the day against Wayzata SPC prevailed 55-43. Both teams there were missing players with Megan Howard and Kiara Buford leaving for work, and Kate Thompson of Wayzata leaving part way through the action.
The Central roster includes:
Georgie Jones
Theairra Taylor
Kyana Johnson
Megan Howard
Kiara Buford
Samantha Ricks-Robinson
Brittany Dorsey
Laura Hansen

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: college reports, later today out & about with St. Michael-Albertville vs Champlin Park

Threes + Last Second Heroics=Excitement

#3 posting 10.28.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

FALL LEAGUE ACTION
Today I traveled up to Becker to catch some North side action. If week 4 was Trey-riffic, and week 5 was nail biter, today was a blend of both. The combined difference of the four games I saw was 10 and all were down to the wire. Also Four future Gophers were in action today.

The first game I saw was St. Michael-Albertville squeezing by Champlin Park 36-34. CP's Laura Bruce hit a three with under 10 seconds left to tie the game at 34. STMA's Kassandra Barthel got the ball on the inbounds and went coast to coast for the game winning lay up.

In game two it was Moorhead over Albany 41-38. Kelsey Jacobson nailed a three at the buzzer for the win for Moorhead. A better name for the team should be Moorhead-West Central as there are four players from each team. Albany led 25-14 at halftime before Moorhead mounted their rally.

After those two heart stopping games it was Becker II vs the Northern Lynx. Becker II won 37-36 thanks to five 3s by Alex Crapser. The Northern Lynx were short handed and borrowed a Becker player or two from the Becker I team. Becker II led 37-33 late when Rachel Gilbert (Becker but playing with the Northern Lynx) scored on the &1 for the final scoring. Each team hand a possession to follow, but came up empty. The Northern Lynx 6-7 Amber Dvorak, a future Gopher, matched up against another future Gopher, Brianna Mastey.

The nail biters and 3s continued into game four. Princeton prevailed over Staples-Motley in overtime 39-35. Staples had a 10 point lead in the second half before Princeton started their rally. Both teams struck from behind the arc with Princeton hitting three on the day and Staples nailed four. But it was another future Gopher---Princeton's Katie Loberg--- that put her stamp on the game. Loberg had 18 points, 16 in the second half and overtime. But the story is not complete without mentioning free throws. Staples missed three front ends plus two conventional two shots down the home stretch. It was Toni Hall making a free throw for Princeton to send the game into overtime. Staples had the ball for the last possession in regulation and overtime, but never got shots off.

GAME COVERAGE
I will go into detail on these games (with photos)
Monday: St. Michael-Albertville vs Champlin Park
Tuesday: Moorhead vs Albany
Wednesday: Becker II vs Northern Lynx
Thursday: Princeton vs Staples-Motley

Thanks to the readers for your help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow morning.

Preseason Big 10 Coaches and Media Polls

#2 posting 10.28.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BIG 10 PRESEASON POLLS
Ohio State is picked to be #1 and Jolene Anderson of Wisconsin has been tabbed as the player of the year in the preseason Big 10 coaches and media polls. There are differences with the coaches seeing Minnesota #6, the media #8.

thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: later today after the Breakdown Fall League

UMD Splits Exhibition Games

#1 posting 10.28.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

EXHIBITION
UM Duluth lost to Lakehead in Thunder Bay on Friday night 76-67. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Jacquie Hartman (St. Cloud Apollo) with 17. It was a completely different Bulldog team on Saturday with another Lakehead game. This time UMD ran roughshod over the hosts 74-55. Katy Freeman (Duluth East) had a game high 22 points for the Bulldogs.

MORE SOCCER ALL STATE
Another girls basketball player also made the Minnesota All State A soccer team: Amanda Bergstedt a sophomore from Esko. She played last year

POINT PARADE
ONTARIO
Nicholle McKenzie, Notre Dame (Ajax) 29 vs St. Marguerite d'Youville 46-50 finals
Nicholle McKenzie, Notre Dame (Ajax) 23 vs Notre Dame (Brampton) 59-33 semis

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: later today after the Breakdown Fall League.

Fighting Sioux, Great Lakes Previews

#2 posting 10.27.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

FIGHTING SIOUX
North Dakota has settled its lawsuit with the NCAA and will have three years to convince the two North Dakota Sioux tribes to support their use of the Fighting Sioux nickname. North Dakota was at Four Winds school to put on a clinic. Minnesota has a policy against playing against any school with offensive nicknames. From the Grand Forks Herald.

DUNHAM READY
Wisconsin's Mariah Dunham is in better shape this season and more confident. From the Wisconsin State Journal.

GREAT LAKES PREVIEWS
The Midland Daily News looks at three programs.
The young Saginaw Valley State is previewed.

Ronlea Peterson will be a big factor for Lake Superior State.

Northwood is hoping for the right kind of breaks this season.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow, unless news breaks

Kirsch Signs

#1 posting 10.27.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

KIRSCH VERBALS
Kelsey Kirsch of Pellston, Michigan has signed with Davenport in Grand Rapids. The 5-7 guard's Hornets finished 11-11 last year. From the Petoskey News Review.

Kirsch is the 15th player in the 2008 Michigan class to verbal/sign and the 1st to go to an NAIA school.

CONFERENCE CHANGES
The Big 9 in Michigan is down to 5. The Saginaw Valley League may be gaining new members. From the Midland Daily News.

CELEBRATION RULES
The South Dakota High School Activities Association have come up with a new rule limiting post game celebrations. This rule may be a reaction to the huge upset win of #8 Brandon Valley over #1 Sioux Falls Roosevelt when the BV fans stormed the floor after the contest. The Yankton Press & Dakotan thinks that the rule is an overreaction.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: College reports

Trambley Verbals

#5 posting 10.26.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

TRAMBLEY VERBALS
Jessica Trambley a 6-0 power forward from Warren Woods Tower has verbally committed to Grand Valley State University. Trambley averaged 11 ppg and 7 rebounds per game as a junior for the 22-3 Class B Titans.

Trambley was AP Class B Honorable Mention; was All East Metro in the Detroit Papers. From the Michigan Lady Ballers.

Trambley is the 14th player in the Michigan 2008 class to verbal and the 4th to verbal a D2 school. Trambley is the 2nd headed to Grand Valley State with Emma Veach of Grand Haven joining her.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow morning

The Fall Week That Was #5: Nail biters

#3 posting 10.26.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

THE WEEK THAT WAS #5
The action shifted to the Breakdown Fall League as the MYAS and Apple Valley Leagues finished the week before. All the games I saw went right down to the wire. There was playoff intensity in the air. and in the South/Chaska game standing room only crowds to watch the action.

Is there a difference in the leagues? Looking at the pp100 and the games I have seen so far the answer is a qualified yes.
In the MYAS the pp100 and floor % was 81.0 and .369
In the Breakdown 73.4, .377
In Apple Valley 56.6, .283
It should be noted that the Apple Valley numbers are from the first week when there was a lot of rust on players. What is interesting is that the Breakdown floor % is better than the pp100 would indicate. That is due to the missed free throws. It is also due to the abundance of 3s I saw in the last week of the MYAS league.

So far in the fall leagues combined St. Paul Central by far is the top team in pp100 and floor % with 123.0 pp100 and floor % of .607. Only three teams have crossed into the century time zone and only Central is north of .500. 23.3 % of teams could not get higher than .300 in floor %. The average last high school season was 78.6 pp100, and .383 floor %. Again that is AVERAGE, not championship level play.

TEAM OF THE WEEK
Minneapolis South juggled a huge bench, didn’t put all their fire power on the floor at once, and still managed to slip by a battle tested Chaska. Chaska is one of a handful of teams that played in two Fall Leagues. South has speed & quickness. Other teams aren’t ready for the onslaught and get caught in situations they don’t enjoy. South feasts off of turnovers and mistakes. Look for the Southerners to be an even bigger factor once all the newcomers are integrated into the system.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
An unsung player, a grunt player, one who toils in the shadows, but now the spotlight is thrown on Gabby Roberts. Roberts didn’t play on any high powered summer team, but she was ready for action on Sunday. Roberts delivered consistent results in the paint. She was in the right spot at the right time. A tad undersized, but plays with ferocity and determination. So much attention is rightly focused on the outstanding perimeter players at South, Roberts seems an afterthought. That would be a mistake. Her hands are good and she isn’t afraid to bang. She made a difference in the Chaska contest. Roberts had the highest pp100 and floor % for the week at 160 pp100 and .800.

How the team is picked. #1 I need to see the player. #2 player has to put up the proper numbers (the gold standard of over 100 pp100 and .500 floor %). #3 It doesn't hurt if your team wins.
FIRST TEAM
Shakila Boler, Bloomington Kennedy
Courtney Boylan, Chaska
Ashley Prather, Lakeville North
Gabby Roberts, Mpls South
Cassie Rochel, Lakeville North
Honorable Mention
Brooke Brown, Chaska
Tayler Hill, Mpls South
Mandy Poke, Richfield

DEFENSIVE TEAM
Shakila Boler, Bloomington Kennedy
Samantha Norenberg, Park-Cottage Grove
Mandy Poke, Richfield
Cassie Rochel, Lakeville North, Captain
Jackie Voigt, Park-Cottage Grove
This is the second time this fall that Cassie Rochel is captain of the defensive squad.

PAST WINNERS
Team...player....defensive
4 Barnum Gold……Kayla Hulsebus, Suns (St. Croix Lutheran)…..Tori Rule, Midtown Lady Monarchs (DeLaSalle)
3 Centennial White....Jenna Lillemoe, Hopkins....Micah Sater, Centennial White
2 Spartans (MN Stars Showcase)..... Cassie Rochel, Spartans (Lakeville South).....Cassie Rochel
1 St. Paul Central......Megan Howard, St. Paul Central..... Megan Howard

POLLS
This is what I could garner down at Lakeville South. I have no results from the Northern end at Becker. The MYAS/Apple Valley teams will not be in this poll
1. Mpls South
2. Chaska
2. Eden Prairie
3. Eastview
4. Lakeville North
5. Bloomington Kennedy
6. Richfield
7. New Prague
8. Totino-Grace
9. Park-Cottage Grove
10. Farmington

THE WEEK AHEAD
Games of note this weekend
Schedules for weeks 3, 4, and 5 are available for the Lakeville South and Becker Divisions.
9am New Prague vs Farmington at Lakeville South ct 2
11am Totino-Grace vs Lakeville North at LS ct 2
11am Eden Prairie vs Mpls South at LS ct 5
1pm Rogers vs Albany at Becker ct 1
1pm Becker II vs Moorhead at Becker ct 3
2pm Albany vs Moorhead at Becker ct 3
3pm Becker I vs Northern Lynx at Becker ct 2
6pm Chaska vs Kennedy at LS ct 1

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow.

Exhibition Season Opens

#3 posting 10.26.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

EXHIBITIONS
The Exhibition season has opened and North Dakota pounded the University of Winnipeg 94-43. The inside one-two punch of Kierah Kimbrough (BGMR) and Ashley Langen (Kittson Central) had 20 and 21 for UND. Also from the Grand Forks Herald.

Q&A
Oakland University held their media day yesterday. Here is coach Beckie Francis with some Q&A on the upcoming season.

PREVIEWS
Suzy Merchant has her dream job at Michigan State. The Lansing State Journal has a feature on the new coach.

Central Michigan coach Sue Guevara is hoping to ETC. From the Saginaw News.

Six big and talented freshmen made the squad for Hope. From the Grand Rapids Press.

In the Dakota State is the preseason pick for the top spot in the Dakota Athletic Conference. From the Madison, SD Daily Leader.

It will be bombs away at Dickinson State this winter. From the Dickinson Press.

COACHING NEWS
Kerry Juhlin is the new assistant at Loras College in Dubuque. Juhlin played her high school ball at Cedar Falls and collegiate ball at Drake. Juhlin was working at Wisconsin as a student assistant. From the Dubuque Telegraph Herald.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

Next up: the Fall Week that was, later today.

Christensen Update

#2 posting 10.26.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

CHRISTENSEN UPDATE
Kevin Christensen, injured in the tragic car accident last Thursday in Proctor, is scheduled to be transferred to Bemidji Hospital Friday. Following a week stay there, he will hopefully need only a week of therapy in a rehabilitation facility. He is doing well considering his head was split open and it is stapled together. The most debilitating injury is his crushed pelvis. That is what will require the therapy.

In true Kevin fashion, he hopes to coach his daughter in fall league the last two weeks.

His daughter Janelle is well enough to go to school and has attended classes but it is very difficult emotionally.

AAU NEWS
The MN Metro Stars 15U team is looking for 2 players to complete the roster for the 2008 AAU season. We are looking for a 6'+ low post/center and an athletic perimeter player. Players should be in the class of 2010 and have varsity playing experience. Please contact Metro Stars program director Andy Meinhardt at andymeinhardt@hotmail.com if you would like to be considered for one of these spots.

Julie Christensen, Kevin's wife, was killed in the accident.

POINT PARADE
ONTARIO
Rouchelle Francis, Campbell 38 vs Woburn 67-24
Teshia Sarkodie, York Memorial 24 vs Etobicoke 58-65
Brittney Miller, Boylen 23 vs Georges Vanier 59-31
Cliviesha Barnett, Boylen 23 vs Georges Vanier 59-31
Natasha Amo, Etobicoke 22 vs York Memorial 65-58

To make this list a player needs 22 points in a 4 quarter 32 minute game; 25 points in a 2 half 36 minute game.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

Next up: college report, and later today the Fall Week that was. With 6 verbals yesterday it was pretty busy.

Holmes Verbals

#1 posting 10.26.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

HOLMES VERBALS
Ephesia Holmes, Minneapolis South has verballed Buffalo. The 5-6 point guard averaged 18.6 ppg for the 29-3 AAAA state runner up Tigers last year. Buffalo is coached by former Gopher coach Linda Hill-McDonald.

Holmes was AAAA All State Tournament, Honorable Mention AP All State; Honorable Mention All State in the Pioneer Press, Third Team All Metro in the StarTribune, and All City in 2007.

Holmes was Honorable Mention AP All State and All City in 2006.

Holmes played with NC Heat this summer.

Holmes is the 38th player overall in the Minnesota 2008 class to verbal and the 18th to verbal a D1 school.

photo: Holmes taking a shot in the South vs Chaska game last weekend in the Breakdown Fall League at Lakeville South. photo by kja.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news go to my profile and email me.

next up: more news of the day.

Veach Verbals

#7 posting 10.25.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

VEACH VERBALS
Emma Veach, a 5-10 forward from Grand Haven, has verbally committed to Grand Valley State. Veach an all-state player as a junior averaged 15.6 ppg, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Grand Haven was 18-6 in Class A last season. She was also named to the first team in the Grand Rapids Press. From the Grand Rapids Press.

Veach is the 13th player overall in the Michigan 2008 class to verbal and the 3rd to verbal a D2 school. From the Michigan Lady Ballers.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow morning???

Voss Verbals

#6 posting 10.25.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

VOSS VERBALS
Taylor Voss has verbally committed to Southwest Minnesota State. Taylor Voss has played in 3 State tournaments. Taylor has scored 888 points averaging 14.1 ppg. in her junior year. She averaged 6 rebounds per game with 5 assists last season. Taylor Voss is a pure shooter and plays point guard as well as shooting guard and is a force in the paint. She hit 45 three pointers and is a threat driving to the basket. Taylor has been selected to the "All Conference Team" in the West Central-North Conference and to the Section 6AA Subsection 19, "All Tournament Team," for the last two years. Taylor was also voted to the 2007 Minnesota State Tournament,"All Tournament Team." Taylor is a gifted three sport athlete also participating in volleyball and softball where she also received, "All Conference" status.

Voss is the 37th player overall in the Minnesota 2008 class to verbal and the 20th to verbal a D2 school.
She is the 2nd Albany player to verbal joining Jennie Noreen who is headed to MSU Mankato.

photo Voss deep in the lane vs Centennial in the Rogers Breakdown tournament in July. photo by kja

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow, unless....

Christian Verbals

#5 posting 10.25.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

CHRISTIAN VERBALS
Casey Christian, Prior Lake has verbally committed to MSU Mankato. The 5-9 guard averaged 16.2 ppg for the 13-14 AAAA Lakers last season. Christian played with Shakopee prior to Prior Lake in 2007. Christian has been all conference two years (2007 & 2006) in the Missota and honorable mention one year (2005)
Christian played her summer ball with MN Stars Borowicz.

Christian is the 36th player overall in the Minnesota 2008 class to verbal, and the 19th to verbal a D2 school.
Christian is the 2nd MN Stars Borowicz to verbal. Colleen Doerr is headed to Northern State.

Others going to MSU Mankato include
Jennie Noreen, Albany
Alyssa Van Klei, Stillwater
Laura Weber, Eden Prairie

photo: Christian about to take the ball out of bounds vs the Iowa Lightning in the Mid America Tournament in early July in Hopkins. photo by kja

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow, unless more verbals ring out

Rowland Verbals

#4 posting 10.25.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

ROWLAND VERBALS
Caitlin Rowland, Hopkins, has verballed Harvard. The 5-10 guard averaged 11.6 ppg for the 18-10 AAAA Royals last year. Rowland was honorable mention AP All State, honorable mention St. Paul Pioneer Press All State in 2007. She was also honorable mention AP All State, honorable mention St. Paul Pioneer Press All State in 2006. She was honorable mention St. Paul Pioneer Press All State and All conference in the Classic Lake, and made the AAAA all-tournament team at the State Tournament in 2005.
Rowland played her summer ball with North Tartan Larson the past two summers.
Rowland is the 35th player in 2008 Minnesota class to verbal, and the 17th to verbal a D1 school.
She is the 7th North Tartan Larson player to verbal.
She is the 3rd Hopkins player to verbal. Stephanie Sension is headed to Air Force, Hanna Muegge is headed to Bradley.

Rowland joins two Hopkins alumni in the Ivy League, with Kaitlyn Lillemoe at Yale and Jillian Schurle at Princeton.

photo: Rowland taking off down court against Crookston in the Sweet 16 first round at the College of St. Benedict in August. photo by kja



Next up: tomorrow morning unless news breaks

Grossnickle Verbals

#3 posting 10.25.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

GROSSNICKLE VERBALS
Suzanne Grossnickle, Belleville East High School (IL), has verbally committed to Ball State University. The 6-3 center has played with Marian Catholic when she was a sophomore and junior. She transferred this August to Belleville East. From he nwitimes. Marian Catholic was 29-4 last season.

Grossnickle is the 16th player overall in the Illinois 2008 class to verbal, and the 15th to verbal a D1 school. That puts Illinois one behind Indiana and Minnesota.

In the D1 race Ohio leads with 44, followed by Indiana 16, Minnesota 16, Illinois 15, Iowa 10, Michigan 10, Wisconsin 7, South Dakota 3, Colorado 2, Nebraska 2, North Dakota 1

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow, unless news breaks

Gopher Media Day, Preseason Previews

#2 posting 10.25.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

GOPHER MEDIA DAY
Gopher coach Pam Borton holds a Q&A.

Ashley Ellis-Milan is now a cup stacker with teammate Emily Fox. Also Diane Benson from Rochester Century has made the roster as a walk on. I have a Diane Brown from Century class of 2006 that averaged 10.1 ppg her senior year, but I did not find a Benson. From the StarTribune.

PRESEASON PREVIEWS
Central Michigan, with new coach Sue Guevara, is previewed in the Mount Pleasant Morning Sun in the

The Grand Forks Herald columnist Marilyn Hagerty writes about North Dakota in her column. The column takes the form of a letter to a friend in Arizona.

Grand Valley State is favored in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's North Division. From the Holland Sentinel.

Minot State is season is previewed on KXMC. There is video.

Briar Cliff is previewed in the Sioux City Journal.

EXHIBITIONS
UM Duluth travels to Thunder Bay, Ontario for a pair of exhibition games against Lakehead University.

MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL COACHING NEWS
Tricia Clark is the new coach at Howell replacing Lee Piepho. Piepho is now an assistant at the University of Detroit. From the Livingston Press & Argus.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: tomorrow, unless news breaks

The Stars & the Suns

#1 posting 10.25.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

AAU
STARS TRYOUT
2nd Minnesota STARS TRYOUT DATE SET!!!

The Minnesota Stars will hold the second girls basketball tryout at the Bloomington KENNEDY Activity Center on Tuesday, November 13, from 6:30 - 9:00 PM for our 2008 12U-14U teams.

Please us an email at thested@charter.net if you plan to attend. You can also register the night of the tryouts.

Please call Tim Hested (507)399-9120 or Tom Eckmann (319) 750-9849 with questions.

SUNS COACHES
2008 girls basketball coaching staff

James Fassett will be the head coach of the 16U team. James is head coach of women’s basketball at Minneapolis Community College. He has taken our teams to AAU nationals for 4 years. Every week James is being contacted by college coaches to find out who is who in high school basketball and who are the next group of athletes they should be following in Minnesota.

Ellen Wiese will be the head coach of the 15U Ellen team. Ellen grew up in Indiana and her family was one of the original owners of the Indiana Pacers. Ellen played basketball for all four years in college and has been coaching for 7 years.

Greg Arbogast will be the head coach of the 15U-Greg team. Greg has been coaching girls basketball for over 25 years. During this time Greg has nearly a .700 winning percentage. He has coached numerous girls who have received college scholarships and is very excited about this group of athletes.

Ricky Hill will be coaching the 14U team. Ricky has been coaching youth basketball for 8 years and working high level camps for 12 years. Ricky was an assistant men’s basketball coach at Southwest State and Head Football coach at Mpls Henry. Ricky has his BA from Boise State. Currently Ricky is coaching girls basketball in St Paul and is teaching in the Mpls Public School system.

Jeffrey Laboe will be the head coach of the 13U team. Jeff has coached in the NCAA tournament with coaching stops at Central Connecticut State and Missouri State. Jeff was also on staff with the WNBA Cleveland Rockers. His sound fundamental approach along with his enthusiasm and community outreach experience will add value to his team. Jeff is a graduate of Iowa State and Osseo High School.

Cori Davison will be the 12U coach. Last year this team finished 2nd in the State AAU championships. Watch out as this team prepares for the AAU Nationals to be held in Rochester MN in the summer of 2008. Last year at nationals Cori’s team made it to the championship bracket at AAU nationals. Cori is in her 15th year of coaching.

Jim Hammond will be the head coach of the 11U team. Jim is currently the varsity women's coach at Maranatha Christian Academy High School. Jim has been coaching for 14 years and has always run developmental programs with youth basketball in addition to his coaching position.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

Next up: more news

Out & About: Minneapolis South/Chaska

#4 posting 10.24.2007
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
LAKEVILLE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH tigers 38, CHASKA hawks 37

This clash feature the marquee match up of Tayler Hill of South vs Courtney Boylan of Chaska, two of the top guards in the state, one a junior, one a senior. And the crowd (and there was standing room only), got to see an intense battle down to the wire where Hill's free throw late lifted South to victory.

One thing that was noticeable was that the three headed monster for South (Hill-Holmes-Smith) were not on the floor together except for the last 20+ seconds of the game. South had a whopping 14 players, all of saw court time. Once High school season rolls around I do not expect to see 14 players getting meaningful time unless the game is decided. Continuity was hard to establish. The game, even though competitive, did not have the flow smoothly.

Chaska struck first with a transition lay up by Brittany Travis. That started a four possession scoring spree by the Hawks who led 8-1. South scored four times, but were only able to squeeze one point on their free throw chances to make it 10-5. The Chaska high water mark came at 16-8 after a pair of Boylan free throws. Chaska was held scoreless the next five possessions by South and they took advantage of the inaction with a five possession scoring string to bounce right back in the action. It was an 11-3 run and South took the lead on a drive by Hill. Boylan provided the free throw to make it 19-18 South at the half.

Chaska took the lead briefly at the start of the half of a steal and lay up from Boylan. Gabby Roberts scored on the inside for South on the next possession. Chaska and South again exchanged leads. South then put some distance between the two with three unanswered points. It was 28-26 when Chaska ran off a 5/6 scoring run to take a 33-31 lead. Brooke Brown had 4 of the points in the 9-3 run. Hill tied it with a pair of free throws. Brooke Brown put Chaska up one with the back end of a free throw. Chaska then had a five possession drought down the home stretch. South took advantage of that with a steal and basket by Hill followed shortly thereafter by a steal and lay up by Holmes to make it 37-34. Boylan struck from beyond the arc on the left side to tie it all up at 37. Time was slipping away as Hill was fouled. She delivered on the back end of the pair of free throws with 27.7 seconds left. Chaska had the ball for a chance for the win but Brooke Brown's pass ended up in Hill's hands.

photos: #1 Chaska's Courtney Boylan rises above the throng for a pull up jumper in the first half. #2. South's Tayler Hill about to explode past T&T (Brittany Travis and Brianna Tisch) in the 2nd half. photos by kja.

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH
STARTERS
Gabby Roberts 8, 5, 160.0, .800 smaller post player, but has power and plays with efficiency. Knows where to be. uses body well. good hands
Europe Guy 3, 5, 60.0, .200 left handed perimeter player. hit a 3. newcomer to the South way of things
Armeshia Kearney 3, 3, 100.0, .667 another newcomer to South. a perimeter. has speed
Tayler Hill 9, 9, 100.0, .444 didn't really turn it up until the second half. Let teammates stretch their wings in the first half. When it came crunch time Hill was there to deliver. Went to the line three time, had key steals late. Made the winning free throw as time wound down. defensively got to high against players she was guarding when they had the ball. They were able to beat her on the dribble.
Sadiqah Jihad 1, 2, 50.0, .500 guard. opened the game guarding Boylan
BENCH
Tyisha Smith 5, 6, 83.3, .500 spitfire guard. quick. drives and lay ups her specialty. was nailed for traveling at the start of her move a couple of times.
Amy Miles 3, 2, 150.0, .500 left handed perimeter. 3 point shooter
Jenny Houle 0, 2, 0.0, .000 another 3 point shooter/zone buster. Chaska played individual defense
Ephesia Holmes 4, 9, 44.4. .222 guard, deceptively quick, picks players when the expose weakness. likes to penetrate, but now needs to learn to kick out. Penetrates deep into the trees and doesn't always have good options.
Taquoia Hammick 0, 1, 0.0, .000 post player. needs to ramp up speed to go with the South guards
#34 0, 0, 0.0, .000
#21 0, 0, 0.0, .000
#20 2, 2, 100.0. .500
#6 0, 0, 0.0, .000

CHASKA
STARTERS
Brianna Tisch 3, 5, 60.0, .400 post player. rebounded on defense. had a block. on the offensive end needs to make moves quickly and with authority.
Brittany Travis 4, 6, 66.7, .333 left handed post player. Fades on shot. needs to go through people, not around. Needs to use the glass at the angles. It is not Kryptonite.
Both T&T need to get stronger with the ball after the rebound. or guards need to come to them.
Courtney Boylan 16, 11, 145.5, .636 guard with vision, power and a deft touch. involves teammates, but asserts herself right away. can go to the basket, hang, pull up, get fouled, or, as she did late in the game, hit the clutch 3 when the pressure is on. gets good position, poised yet feisty, street fighter, doesn't back down.
Brooke Brown 7, 7, 100.0, .571 a good complement to Boylan. Has the vision, and moxy to get the job done. has quickness and athletic ability. shot of the day was off the dribble, but does have 3 range too.
Taylor Brown 0, 5, 0.0, .000 guard, got in trouble with ball handling when she did the dreaded spin dribble against the South buzz saws.
BENCH
Amanda Kaehler 5, 5, 100.0, .600 went to the line twice. needs to be ready for the ball.
Jenna Willems 2, 5, 40.0, .200 baseline shot.
Tiffany Van Haeften 0, 1, 0.0, .000 had a nice assist

TRENCH PLAYER
Gabby Roberts strong inside, efficient, got the job done when all the focus was on the perimeter.

BY THE NUMBERS
Minneapolis South 38, 46, 82.6, .413
Chaska 37, 45, 82.2, .422
made 3s: South 3, Chaska 1
made fts: Chaska 15, South 14
Bench: South 12, Chaska 7
Turnovers: South 16, Chaska 15
Notice Chaska had a slightly better floor %, and had one fewer possession than did South. The pp100s were razor thin with only 0.4 separating both squads.

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH
Ephesia Holmes 4
Gabby Roberts 3
Tayler Hill 3
Tyisha Smith 3
Europe Guy 2
Sadiqah Jihad 1
#34 1
Taquoia Hammick 1
#21 1
totals: 19

CHASKA
Brianna Tisch 4.5
Brooke Brown 4.5
Courtney Boylan 3
Taylor Brown 2
Tiffany Van Haeften 2
Amanda Kaehler 1
Jenna Willems 1
Totals: 18

next up: tomorrow, unless news breaks

Barondeau, Schoen Verbal

#3 posting 10.24.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BARONDEAU, SCHOEN VERBAL
Mikayla Barondeau, Leola-Frederick, SD has made a verbal to Northern State. The 5-11 guard averaged 17.5 ppg for the 16-6 Class A Titans. Barondeau was All conference in the Lake Region and is over 1000 career points. She played her summer ball with Dakota Hardwood Threat.

Barondeau is the 9th player in the South Dakota 2008 class to verbal and the 4th to verbal a D2 school. She is the 9th player to verbal Northern State. She joins
Emily Becken, Centennial
Maggie Bryant, Sartell
Alycia Dahl, Northern
Colleen Doerr, LeSueur-Henderson
Karli Gilbertson, Bismarck
Jenna Higgins, Maranatha
Krystal Lacey, West Central, MN
Nicky Rausch, Hoven, SD

photo: Barondeau, #31 orange, is about to trying to stop Katelin Oney of IBCA Select in the North Tartan Meltdown championship game in Hopkins at the end of July. photo by kja

Brittany Schoen, a 5-6 guard from South Central High School in Harrison County, Indiana, gave a verbal commitment to Indiana State University last weekend. Schoen has averaged more than 20 ppg her four years in school. South Central finished 19-6 last season. Schoen is an AAU All American this year with the Ohio Valley Storm. From the Terre Haute News.

Schoen is the 16th player in the Indiana 2008 class to verbal, and the 16th player to verbal a D1 school.

Thanks to the readers for the help. If you have news, go to my profile and email me.

next up: Mpls South vs Chaska