Out & About: Rogers/Rockford

#6 posting 11.11.2007
your daily dose girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
BECKER DIVISION
ROGERS royals 44,
ROCKFORD rockets 25

Despite not having Casey Mann or Jennifer Dowd in uniform today the Rogers Royals were able to do what no fall team had done yet---hit the gold standard in points per 100 and floor percentage. It was fitting it was the last game of the fall season. Rogers hit 102.3 pp100 and .558 floor percentage. Their defense was very successful as well. They held Rockford scoreless 14 straight possessions to start the second half---18 across the halves.

In the beginning however it was Rockford that was hot. They led 11-4 at their widest margin. The Rockets had a 4 of 5 scoring spurt in the early portion of the game. Rogers and the free throw line were friends for their first nine points. Amanda Chesness opened the scoring with a traditional three point play. After that it was all free throws up to point #9. Rogers finished up with four straight scores and claimed an 18-16 lead at half time.

After half time Rockford was held scoreless for 14 straight possessions. Going back to the first half it was a grand total of 18 straight dry spells. Rogers continued their hot hand with a four of five offensive sequence. Added with the first half that was a 8/9 sequence. All in all it was a 22-0 run. Rogers had offensive streaks of four and six.

photo: Amanda Chesness goes up over a Rockford defender. photo by kja

ROGERS
STARTERS
Heather Brunn 4, 5, 80.0, .400 handled the point guard duties. will take long 2s.
Amanda Chesness 8, 6, 133.3, .667 inside presence. was able to score even when hit. Went to the line three times.
#40, 5, 8, 62.5, .375 guard. anticipates well on defense. moves well.
Camille Loughlin 9, 6, 150.0, .833 scored from the baseline corners, and elbow shots.
Heather Johnson 9, 7, 128.6, .714 perimeter, scored in transition. has range.
BENCH
Amy Stone 2, 3, 66.7, .333 guard
Britni Tokheim 0, 2, 0.0, .000 guard. looks to shoot outside.
Emily Dosmann 4, 4, 100.0, .500 post. picked up a charge call.
Jordan Bernens 1, 1, 100.0, 1.000 guard
Sarah McDonough 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000

ROCKFORD
STARTERS
Katie Netherton 4, 7, 57.1, .286 inside presence. did hit the defensive boards.
Ashley Stevens 6, 10, 60.0, .300 was the only player to score at the line for Rockford. That is because the others didn't attack the basket.
Caitlin Sipe 4, 8, 50.0, .250 needs to work on ball handling against pressure
Kelsey Lofstad 4, 7, 57.1, .286 perimeter. Hit the only three in the game.
Alli Henrichs 3, 7, 42.9, .143
BENCH
Sara George 4, 4, 100.0, .500

TRENCH PLAYER
Camille Laughlin

BY THE NUMBERS
Rogers 44, 43, 102.3, .558
Rockford 25, 44, 56.8, .273
made 3s: Rockford 1, Rogers 0
made fts: Rogers 14, Rockford 2
bench: Rogers 9, Rockford 4
8 different Rogers players went to the line.
Rogers moved the ball well on offense, taking shots they wanted.

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
ROGERS
Johnson 5
#40 3
Amanda Chesness 2
Camille Laughlin 2
Bernens 2
Heather Brunn 1
Stone 1
Dosmann 1
totals 17

ROCKFORD
Katie Netherton 5
Ashley Stevens 5
Alli Henrichs 3
Kelsey Lofstad 1
totals: 14

postscript---#40 for Rogers went down with what looked like a knee injury in the next game.

Next up: tomorrow's opening day extravaganza with three special reports after the general news of the day.

Out & About: Blaine/St. Cloud Apollo

#5 posting 11.11.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
BECKER DIVISION
BLAINE bengals 43, ST. CLOUD APOLLO eagles 26

Today I saw two games. I picked teams I hadn't seen yet so Blaine and St. Cloud Apollo lead off the action. Blaine had more bodies, more athletic talent, and more points. SCA had three players with varsity experience and some youngsters testing their wings.

Apollo led early with two scores with the one two punch of Brooke Dunsmoor and Andrea Hagberg. Those two players scored 22 of the 26 points---85%. Blaine kicked their offense into a higher gear with a 6 of 7 offense sequence on a 13-6 run. The Bengals led 15-10. When Blaine brought in the next shift (it is fall ball) they didn't lose a step and continued to put the heat on SCA. Apollo had an 8 possession drought toward the end of the half. Blaine led 23-13 at half.

Apollo did cut the margin to 27-18 in the second half but that was as tight as it would get. After that Blaine went on a 13-0 run with 7 of 8 offensive sequence. Blaine had two droughts in the second half of five possessions. The last came at the tail end of the game.

Photos: #1. Alex Pafko goes up with contact. #2: Andrea Hagberg looks for an opening. photos by kja

BLAINE
STARTERS
Amber Hames 0, 8, 0.0, .000 guard
Steph Jergenson 9, 4, 225.0, 1.000 post player. lefty. had one sequence with one free throw, and then, after a miss, she got the ball back and scored for a reverse three point play. didn't rebound
Alissa Dombek 8, 5, 160.0, .800 point guard, quick slashing move. good hang time. will attempt 3, but scored off the dribble
Allison Ballsted 6, 5, 120.0, .600. guard. scored in transition. also has 3 range
Alex Pafko 5, 6, 83.3, .500 athletic forward, physical, doesn't mind contact. elbow out on shot.
BENCH
Taylor Lamberty 8, 5, 160.0, .800 guard, scored on transition off steals.
Carly Christopherson 5, 6, 83.3, .333 guard, quick, aggressive defensive player. initiated action. had three straight steals in the first half. hit a 3, and can penetrate.
Sarah O'Dowd 0, 3, 0.0, .000 perimeter player
Carly Saben 2, 3, 66.7, .333 post player. ball handling needs to improve.
Kirsten Goodroad 0, 0, 0.0, .000 injured and left the game early

ST. CLOUD APOLLO
STARTERS
Brooke Dunsmoor 8, 8, 100.0, .500 post player. drew a lot of attention in the post
Andrea Hagberg 14, 18, 77.8, .389 left handed guard. likes to penetrate. seeks contact. went to the line four times. will also shoot the three if given time. passing decisions---distance and forces an issue.
Hailey Asfeld 0, 7, 0.0, .000 smaller guard
Courtney Lynch 4, 9, 44.4, .222 guard, scored in transition, but sometimes came in too hard
Kirsten Haarstad 0, 1, 0.0, .000
BENCH
Amanda Faber 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Rachel Dukowitz 0, 2, 0.0, .000

TRENCH PLAYER
Alissa Dombek in a close battle with three others

BY THE NUMBERS
Blaine 43, 46, 93.5, .457
St. Cloud Apollo 26, 46, 56.5, .283
made 3s: Blaine 1, SCA 1
made fts: Blaine 8, SCA 7
bench: Blaine 15, SCA 0

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
BLAINE
Allison Ballsted 4
Alex Pafko 4
Amber Hames 3
Taylor Lamberty 3
Carly Christopherson 3
Alissa Dombek 2
Sarah O'Dowd 2
Kirsten Goodroad 1
totals 22

ST. CLOUD APOLLO
Brooke Dunsmoor 6
Andrea Hagberg 4
Amanda Faber 3
Kirsten Haarstad 3
Rachel Dukowitz 2
Courtney Lynch 1
totals 19

next up: Rogers vs Rockford

Out & About: Eastview/Eden Prairie

#5 posting 11.7.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
LAKEVILLE SOUTH DIVISION
EASTVIEW lightning 31
EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 28

In a battle between two Lake conference rivals it was Eastview coming back to beat Eden Prairie 31-28. The physical nature of the game can be noted in the 25 combined free throws made during the contest. That is one reason why the possessions were down in this game. With running time more clock was spent on the line than in actual play.

It should be noted that a mystery two points was on the board for Eden Prairie. It was up there early and I am using what was on the scoreboard since that is what the players and fans felt the game reflected. I have no idea where they pulled the two points for EP.

EP scored first in this contest and led 12-6 with about 9 minutes to go in the half after a three by Mikayla Clark. EP went through a five possession drought at the tail end of the first half. Eastview couldn't get traction either. Eastview made three field goals the first half, EP only two. Nothing came easy, and nothing was given easily.

At the start of the second half EP endured another 7 possession dry spell. So over the course of the end and beginning of the halves EP was 1/13 in their possessions. Eastview had their own five possession drought fairly early so could not exploit the advantage. Eastview did put together a 7-2 run in the middle of the half to take a narrow 24-23 lead on a pair of DaNae Moore free throws. On EP's next possession Kjersten Bradley converted an old fashioned three point play to go up 26-24. Brittany Rud scored after a steal by Sam Mehr to make it 27-26 with under a minute to go. Kelsey Faber drained her only two points for EP's last lead at 28-27. Again it was Rud for the basket on a pass from Moore to make it 29-28. McSparron added a pair of free throws for the final margin.

It should be noted that Laura Weber and Carly Rothfusz did not play for EP. Also during the contest Eastview's Emily Kaus left with an injury.

photos: #1 Lauren Wittman launches a three for EP with Laura Siebenaler defending. #2. DaNae Moore, after being fouled, releases a shot. #3. Brittany Rud's game winner--notice the score. Eastview is home. photos by kja

EASTVIEW
STARTERS
Sam Mehr 4, 8, 50.0, .250 did have one three in a rather quiet performance. Passing wasn't sharp. Called for traveling twice.
Brittany Rud 7, 8, 87.5, .375 delivered in the clutch with two key baskets. prefers baseline shots. passing is predictable
Brittnye McSparron 10, 8, 125.0, .625 extremely quick point guard. got to the gaps and attacked the basket with relish. takes contact. went to the line four times. Likes to score off the dribble
Emily Kaus 2, 6, 33.3, .167 post player. stands her ground. drew a charge.
DaNae Moore 6, 8, 75.0, .500 slasher. Likes baseline drives. Also will get hit. Went to the line four times. Will crash the offensive boards. needs to know where lines are.
BENCH
Laura Siebenaler 2, 3, 66.7, .333
Kelsey North 0, 2, 0.0, .000 looked to the others on offense
Brittany Rayman 0, 0, 0.0, .000

EDEN PRAIRIE
STARTERS
Kelsey Faber 2, 9, 22.2, .111 guard. needs to have receivers come to her, or she should not pick up her dribble too soon. six turnovers against pressure
Kjersten Bradley 3, 6, 50.0, .167 guard. didn't show her range.
Lauren Wittman 5, 4, 125.0, .500 left handed perimeter player. more active in first half than in the second
Michelle Tobin 6, 8, 75.0, .375 post player. took in six defensive rebounds. All her points came at the line. passing decisions need improving
Keely Brennan 2, 3, 66.7, .333 scored on a drive as she was hit.
BENCH
Mikayla Clark 4, 5, 80.0, .400 guard, hit a three.
Gibson 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Morgan Van Riper-Rose 4, 5, 80.0, .400 moves well without the ball.
#12 0, 1, 0.0, .000

TRENCH PLAYER
Brittnye McSparron

BY THE NUMBERS
Eastview 31, 43, 72.1, .372
Eden Prairie 28, 43, 60.5, .279
made 3s: Eastview 1, EP 1
made fts: EP 13, Eastview 12
bench: EP 8, Eastview 2
A true gritty, grind it out Lake game. Both teams figure to be playing into March 08.

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
EASTVIEW
Laura Siebenaler 4
Emily Kaus 4
DaNae Moore 4
Brittany Rud 3
Sam Mehr 2
Brittnye McSparron 2
Kelsey North 2
Brittany Rayman 2
totals: 23

EDEN PRAIRIE
Michelle Tobin 8
Kelsey Faber 2
Kjersten Bradley 2
Lauren Wittman 1
Mikayla Clark 1
Morgan Van Riper-Rose 1
Keely Brennan 1
totals: 16

Next up: tomorrow morning, unless news breaks

Out & About: Rochester Lourdes/Holy Family

#7 posting 11.6.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
LAKEVILLE SOUTH DIVISION
ROCHESTER LOURDES eagles 41,
HOLY FAMILY fire 30

There was only three possessions where Holy Family led in this game--an 8-6 lead early in the first half---as Rochester Lourdes used their full court harassing press to douse the Fire 41-30. The Lourdes defense only allowed six field goals the entire game, only three in the half court 5-5 action. Meanwhile their press and fast breaks delivered at least 16 points in their favor.

Lourdes scored on their first possession off the tip on a basket by Lindsay Frie. Lourdes put the heat on the Fire right away with the press. It disrupted the free flow of Holy Family's offense and forced them to do things they didn't want to do. The Fire briefly held the lead on the strength of a 8-2 run with Lisa Weathers scoring four of the points in a four of five sequence. But after that the embers were stone cold for the Fire with a 10 possession drought without a spark. Lourdes enjoyed that time with a 15-0 run with many contributions by all. The top two point getters in that time were Laura Melquist, who had four points on one possession, and Claire Rieder, who had lay ups off turnovers. HF snapped out of it with three straight scores to close to 21-14. Lourdes led at half 26-14.

There was one more stretch in the second half where the Fire went cold. It was a mini drought of five possessions. In that span Lourdes held their biggest advantage at 38-22. There was no surprises or drama the rest of the way. Lourdes cruised to a 41-30 win.

photos: #1 a tie up between Lisa Weathers of Holy Family and Claire Rieder of Lourdes. #2 Addy Stepaniak lets fly one of her three 3 pointers. #3. Becca Friestleben finishing one her lay ups. photos by kja

ROCHESTER LOURDES
STARTERS
Lindsay Frie 5, 6, 83.3, .333 lefty, needed to use her right hand on a lay up chance. needs to keep her feet on defense.
Claire Rieder 10, 8, 125.0, .625 quick, anticipates, seizes advantage of sloppy play. can finish.
Mikki Hoeffer 3, 6, 50.0, .167 jumps well, ball handling needs polish. exposed the ball.
Laura Melquist 12, 11, 109.1, .455 the 6-1 center, a strong body, moves well, has decent range out to the elbows. passes well. understands the game. moves without the ball.
Ashlie Seifert 2, 5, 40.0, .200 scored off the high low from Melquist.
BENCH
Allison Wasz 4, 4, 100.0, .500 guard
Mary Utz 5, 5, 100.0, .400 guard, hit a three
unknown 0, 2, 0.0, .000

HOLY FAMILY
STARTERS
Lisa Weathers 6, 8, 75.0, .375 active, moves, scored on the move, couple of steals
Shelby Spinner 2, 9, 22.2, .222 through behind receivers
Addy Stepaniak 14, 8, 175.0, .750 guard, canned three 3s on the day. rebounded well for guard. also went to the line three times.
Becca Friestleben 6, 9, 66.7, .333 scored on lay ups, aggressive defensive anticipation like a cat in the weeds ready to pounce on an unsuspecting prey. however never scorched the nets from the distance like I have seen in the past. Of course forced to the bench with the mandatory in and out nature of fall ball.
Kaylagh Hollen 0, 2, 0.0, .000 needs to keep the ball and elbows tighter to the body when trying to advance against pressure. needs to avoid spins.
BENCH
Ally Gerads 2, 6, 33.3, .167
Emily Ewen 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Lindsay Bruns 0, 2, 0.0, .000

TRENCH PLAYER
Laura Melquist

BY THE NUMBERS
Rochester Lourdes 41, 47, 87.2, .383
Holy Family 30, 47, 63.8, .319
made 3s: RL 3, HF 3
made fts: HF 9, RL 4
bench: RL 9, HF 2

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
ROCHESTER LOURDES
Laura Melquist 8
Claire Rieder 6
Mikki Hoeffer 3
Ashlie Seifert 3
Allison Wasz 2
Mary Utz 2
Lindsay Frie 1
totals: 25

HOLY FAMILY
Becca Friestleben 5
Lisa Weathers 4
Shelby Spinner 3
Kaylagh Hollen 1
Emily Ewen 1
Lindsay Bruns 1
totals: 19

Next up: tomorrow morning unless news breaks.

Out & About: Prior Lake/Rochester Century

#4 posting 11.5.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
LAKEVILLE SOUTH DIVISION
PRIOR LAKE lakers 41,
ROCHESTERN CENTURY panthers 30

Prior Lake had an 8-0 run to start the second half to put distance between themselves and Rochester Century. On thing about this game---Prior Lake had 12 players and it was hard to get all of those players in, and it was hard to get any consistent rhythm. As soon as group 1 would get in the flow, their shift was over and the next wave crashed to shore. This is one of the hazards of fall ball.

Prior Lake started off with the lead, scoring on their first two possessions. One facet of this game was the full court pressure employed by both teams. PL was quick to the ball and anticipated well. Both teams had a string of six straight scores over two minutes. It was 9-8 Century after that outburst. Century had their biggest lead at 16-12 with 6:25 left. The Panthers were helped in part by a couple of threes by Lindsey Braatz, and Stephanie Brandt. For the last six minutes they only scored once in their seven possessions. Prior Lake took advantage of the RC slowdown with a 6-1 run to take a slim 18-17 lead heading into half.

The opening of the second half doomed Century. The key possession was on Prior Lake's 5th possession of the half when Megan Pold scored a basket and had the &1. She missed the free throw, but Casey Christian picked up the rebound and was fouled in the act. She delivered both for a 26-17 PL lead. Century didn't score until their 8th possession. So it was a 1/15 offensive sequence for Century, good for a floor % of .067. 10 of those possessions ended in turnovers. The rest of the way PL maintained their 8 to 10 point advantage. Both teams fell into a 1/14 possession dry spell. The last field goal came at the five minute mark.

photos: #1 Tori Sutherland, Century, drives with Casey Christian, PL, defending; #2 Kelsey Ennenga has her shot blocked and what you see is the follow through. photos by kja

PRIOR LAKE
to be completely honest the numbers were so puny and only on the front side of the uniform these results should be taken with a grain of salt. It was a total headache trying to get the information., I am just going to label all players, no distinguishing between starters and bench.
Kelsey Ennenga 7, 8, 87.5, .500 made some nice cuts, lanky, runs the floor, early steals in the press.
Whitney Wise 6, 3, 200.0, 1.000 had a nice quick release,
Tasha Balow 0, 4, 0.0, .000
Casey Christian 4, 5, 80.0, .400 the player with the most polish. She had several deft passes that did found their mark, but the recipients muffed in some way either by missing the bunny or fumbling out of bounds. has good anticipation on defense.
Ashley Berley 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Grace Lind 2, 3, 66.7, .333
Heather Pierson 4,6, 66.7, .500
Emmy Estrich 5, 6, 83.3, .500 went to the line three times.
Liz Swenson 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Erica Trabbing 2, 4, 50.0, .250 one of the point guards.
Megan Pold 4, 4, 100.0, .500 inside player. stronger physique.
unknown 2, 3, 66.7, .333

ROCHESTER CENTURY
STARTERS
Katy Lidell 4, 7, 57.1, .286 guard. ball handling against pressure needs polish
Allison Schwanberg 1, 6, 16.7, .167 ball handling needs polish
Mishawna Lindsey 4, 8, 50.0, .250 was the main point guard. moved without the ball. scored on a cut. crashed the defensive boards.
Emily Hoyer 4, 5, 80.0, .400 post player. decent frame. exposed the ball. brought ball down to her stomach.
Lindsey Braatz 3, 7, 42.9, .143 guard, hit a three
BENCH
Tori Sutherland 6, 8, 75.0, .375 likes to drive baseline. one track mind. rushed action. dribbled too high. picked up a charge.
Steph Brandt 6, 10, 60.0, .300 footwork needs improving.
Jessica Hazelton 0, 3, 0.0, .000 more postish

TRENCH PLAYER
This is a you pick 'em. With the system Prior Lake ran, no one player could get traction. However the best player on the floor was Casey Christian.

BY THE NUMBERS
Prior Lake 40, 54, 74.1, .407
Rochester Century 28, 54, 51.9, .259
made 3s: RC 3, PL 0
made fts: PL 8, RC 3

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
PRIOR LAKE
Casey Christian 5
Kelsey Ennenga 4
Tasha Balow 4
Heather Pierson 3
Emmy Estrich 3
Erica Trabbing 2
Liz Swenson 1
Megan Pold 1
unknown 2
totals: 25

ROCHESTER CENTURY
Mishawna Lindsey 6
Emily Hoyer 4
Tori Sutherland 4
Lindsey Braatz 3
Katy Lidell 2
Jessica Hazelton 2
Alison Schwanberg 1
Stephanie Brandt 1
totals: 23

Next up: tomorrow

Out & About: Princeton/Staples-Motley

#5 posting 11.1.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
BECKER DIVISION
PRINCETON tigers 39,
STAPLES-MOTLEY cardinals 35 OT

Princeton rallied from 10 down in the second half to upend Staples-Motley 39-35 in overtime. Free throws were the name of this game, or lack of free throws. SM had 10 straight points left at the line with two two shot fouls sandwiching three missed front ends in the last possessions of the second half. Katie Loberg of Princeton, a future Gopher, had 18 points, 16 after half time in the win.

In keeping with the dramatic and 3 theme this game started off with three consecutive threes starting with Alli Johnson on Princeton's 4th possession. Cassie Pearson answered for SM, with Nicole Dehn finishing the firew0rks. Princeton led early 10-7 with 13 minutes left in the first half. They then fell into a seven possession hole and couldn't get out. SM capitalized on that with a 6-0 run and a 13-10 lead. SM held on to Princeton attempts to retake the lead and Cassie Pearson hit a three to wrap up scoring in the first half with SM in front 18-14. Pearson had half of SM points in the half.

SM threatened to blow the game open in the second half with four straight scores and led 30-20 with about 9 minutes left. Cassie Pearson again was leading the way for SM with four points. Then Princeton turned it up a notch and went on a 7/9 offensive sequence to finish regulation. Allie Johnson kicked the comeback with a three followed by six straight points by Loberg. In the meantime SM went stone cold at the line missing free throw opportunities. 10 points were left at the line and they weren't getting second chances as Princeton controlled the boards. With 17.8 seconds to go Toni Hall made the second of two free throws for the Tigers to tie it up at 34. Staples had plenty of time to get a shot off, but they were facing away from the clock and didn't really now the time or score situation. They never got a shot off. That made it six straight empty possessions for SM.

In overtime (which lasts a minute) Staples struck first breaking their long miserable drought at the line with the front side of two by Ashley Lisson. Loberg answered at the other end in the paint for the first Princeton lead since the first half. SM missed a 3 attempt and Dehn didn't for the final margin. Again SM had the ball at the end and never got a shot off.

photos: #1 Katie Loberg on a drive in the first half. #2 Allie Johnson launches a three. #3. The dangers of leaving your feet on defense. Johnson bought the fake and Savannah Hill of Staples-Motley looks to drive by. photos by kja

PRINCETON
STARTERS
Katie Loberg 18, 13, 138.5, .692 post player that is athletic (in the state high jump) mobile, quick and active. runs the floor very well. Comeback centered around her efforts. Broke free in the second half. looming presence inside.
Nicole Dehn 10, 10, 100.0, .400 point guard, scrappy, has focus, made two 3s, active hands.
Allie Johnson 8, 7, 114.3, .429 nice outside shot. made two 3s. led team in defensive rebounds. Leaves her feet on defense.
Anja Eichenger 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Krista Koebnick 2, 4, 50.0, .250 had three straight turnovers to start the second half.
BENCH
Toni Hall 1, 4, 25.0, .250 small guard, made a key free throw to send the game into overtime.
Jordan Hallin 0, 1, 0.0, .000

STAPLES-MOTLEY
STARTERS
Nikki Pearson 4, 8, 50.0, .250 perimeter, likes to drive. needs to deliver at the line with four missed opportunities late. also needs to be aware of time and score.
Savannah Hill 9, 7, 128.6, .571 part of the three person team that looked for each other. another perimeter shooter. hit a three.
Cassie Pearson 13, 9, 144.4, .556 perimeter, 3 range. can and will penetrate. runners. leader, didn't deliver at the line down the stretch with four misses
Liz Willgohs 4, 9, 44.4, .222 needs to be aware of time/score situations.
Kelsey Rice 0, 1, 0.0, .000
BENCH
Ashley Lisson 3, 6, 50.0, .333 needs to be ready for the ball.
Abby Smith 2, 3, 66.7, .333 needs to improve at the line.
Taylor Bissonette 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Jennissen 0, 0, 0.0, .000

TRENCH PLAYER
Katie Loberg

BY THE NUMBERS
Princeton 39, 42, 92.3, .429
Staples-Motley 35, 44, 79.5, .364
made 3s: Princeton 4, SM 4
made fts: Princeton 9, SM 7
bench: SM 5, Princeton 1

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
PRINCETON
Nicole Dehn 7.5
Katie Loberg 5.5
Allie Johnson 4
Anja Eichenger 4
Toni Hall 2
total: 23

STAPLES-MOTLEY
Savannah Hill 3
Kelsey Rice 3
Cassie Pearson 2
Abby Smith 2
Nikki Pearson 1
Liz Willgohs 1
Ashley Lisson 1
Jennissen 1
total: 14
defensively SM just wasn't as aggressive as Princeton 23-14 in stops.

Next up: later tonight close to 9:30

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

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

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

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

Out & About: Lakeville North/Park-Cottage Grove

#5 posting 10.23.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE
LAKEVILLE SOUTH
LAKEVILLE NORTH panthers 30,
PARK-COTTAGE GROVE wolf pack 26

In a battle of new section rivals, and preseason top 10 teams it was Lakeville North besting Park-Cottage Grove 30-26. PCG scored more times in the game, but they were only able to squeeze one point off of those possessions, whereas LN hit two 3s to give them the margin of victory. It was a free throw parade and with running time, time spent at the line meant lower scoring games. Neither team was at full strength with Tina Fisher and Katya Leick absent from the PCG lineup, while point guard Kaiya Sygulla did not play for LN.

PCG opened scoring on their first possession with a basket by Jamie Lurken, Two LN possessions later Cassie Rochel scored and was fouled. She didn't convert the free chance, but it started a 12-0 run for the Panthers. Ashley Prather had five points in the run up. Meanwhile LN held PCG scoreless for 10 possessions, five of which ended up as turnovers. The rest of the first half LN maintained their margin. PCG went to the line six times in the first half with a chance for 11 points. PCG came away with three. Future Gopher Jackie Voigt was 3/8 at the line in the first half. It was LN up at half 19-11.

PCG opened the second half on a 7-0 run to cut the margin to 19-18. Voigt again spent time at the line with three free throws in the stretch. LN had a seven possession drought to start the second frame, two of which were turnovers. Mikayla Goris broke the drought on a pass from Rochel. Voigt again cut the margin to one with a pair of freebies. LN pushed their lead to five a couple of times, but PCG kept battling back. PCG scored four straight times and 5/6 to cut the margin again to the tantalizing margin of one 27-26. PCG never could push that boulder over the hill however. Rochel hit one free throw for 28-26 LN lead. PCG had two straight turnovers in an effort to tie. LN milked the clock and Prather iced the victory with two free throws.

Was it the Fall League or the Foul League I was watching? In the end it was free throws that doomed PCG's chances. They went to the line a staggering 12 times and were 12/23 on the game. They left 8 points on the table in the first half. LN also did not get all the points they could at the line, but there was one difference---when LN missed free throws it was on the &1 twice. LN always got a point from their opportunities.

photos: #1 Jackie Voigt of PCG is surrounded by three LN defenders. #2. Sam Hildebrandt of PCG lets a shot fly with Mikayla Goris of LN getting a hand in the face. photos by kja.

LAKEVILLE NORTH
STARTERS
Kelsie Ammann 2, 8, 25.0, .125 back from the injury with no ill effects. shot wasn't dropping today
Cassie Rochel 7, 5, 140.0. .800 post player that is smooooth. runs the floor, and even gets down on the floor for loose balls. has great hands and is an intimidating presence around the basket. anticipates well and changes so much. Can also find open players for their shot with a couple of assists. Can feed from both high and low posts.
Cassie Crego 0, 5, 0.0, .000 guard
Rachael Banham 5, 4, 125.0, .500 ran the point in Sygulla's absence. has a good stroke.
Kristi Levin 0, 2, 0.0. .000 post
BENCH
Ashley Prather 10, 8, 125.0, .625 physical inside presence. also has extended her range as evidenced by her trey.
Mikayla Goris 6, 6, 100.0, .500 guard scored in transition, is a tough nut. can score when hit. scrapper
Jess Braaten 0, 3, 0.0, .000 post

PARK-COTTAGE GROVE
STARTERS
Jamie Lurken 4, 3, 133.3, .667 scored early, but didn't get many other opportunities
Sarah Norenberg 4, 5, 80.0, .400 physical guard, ball handling needs polish
Holly Riesselman 3, 6, 50.0, .333 post. Scored on a put back. needs to finish inside,
Sam Hildebrandt 2, 5, 40.0, .200 guard. crashed the boards for her only points. likes to drive.
Jackie Voigt 11, 15, 73.3, .533 knows how to position her body to get fouled. Went to the line 8 times. Only made one field goal all game. Needs to get 3 point plays. Needs to square up even if she is getting fouled.
BENCH
Hannah Davey 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Amelia Overich 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Shannon Killeen 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Riley 0, 2, 0.0, .000

TRENCH PLAYER
Cassie Rochel here grabbing the rebound over a PCG player.

BY THE NUMBERS
Lakeville North 30, 41, 73.2, .366
Park-Cottage Grove 26, 41, 63.4, .390
made 3s: LN 2, PCG 0
made fts: PCG 12, LN 4
bench: LN 16, PCG 2

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
LAKEVILLE NORTH
Cassie Rochel 6
Ashley Prather 5
Rachel Banham 3
Kelsie Ammann 2
Jess Braaten 2
Cassie Crego 1
Kristi Levine 1
totals 20

PARK-COTTAGE GROVE
Jackie Voigt 6
Sarah Norenberg 5
Holly Riesselman 3
Amelia Overich 3
Sam Hildebrandt 2
Shannon Killeen 2
Hannah Davey 1
Riley 1
totals 23

next up: another report close to 8 pm tonight

Out & About: Bloomington Kennedy/Richfield

#2 posting 10.22.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

BREAKDOWN FALL LEAGUE: LAKEVILLE SOUTH
BLOOMINGTON KENNEDY eagles 33,
RICHFIELD spartans 31*

The reason for the asterisk is my numbers came up with 29. It doesn't change who won or lost, but I am keeping at 31 since that what was on the scoreboard and the mind set of the teams during the game.

Points were hard to come by in this contest between two evenly matched squads. Richfield's Shannon Doig opened the game with a turn around post up basket, and then Richfield went into a 1/8 offensive sequence or 25.0 pp100 zone. Kennedy wasn't much better delivering four points in their first 10 possessions. Future Gopher Shakila Boler tied the game up at 7 (also her uniform number for the day) with a three. That got the JFK full court press going and they converted a couple of turnovers in the first half for lay ups. Richfield also awoke from their offensive slumber with Mandy Poke three points in two possessions to put Richfield down 11-10. Richfield led 14-13 at half. It was in this part of the game the missing two points occurred.

Richfield struck first in the second half with another Poke driving lay up to make it 16-13. Then Boler started to assert herself. After a Bailey Lund lay up, Boler scored seven straight (again #7) to put Kennedy in the lead 22-18. Richfield wasn't finished and they rallied to tie it at 24 on a Pamela January pull up jumper. Then it was Brittany Zins' turn to ratchet up the scoring for JFK. She scored 8 straight points with two threes bookending a basket to make it 32-27 for the Eagles. After a Poke free throw made it 32-28 there was no scoring for the next 13 straight possessions, 8 of which were turnovers as the game turned a little sloppy. Another driving basket by Poke with under 20 seconds left cut the Kennedy margin to 32-31. Boler was fouled and she made the front end of a one & one. January had a crack to get the score tied with a runner, but her shot bounced off and Aubrey Davis picked up the rebound to finish the contest.

photos: #1 Brittany Zins, Kennedy, shoots over Shannon Doig of Richfield. #2 Aubrey Davis knocks the ball away from Pamela January. #3 Mandy Poke slices in for a lay up with Shakila Boler in the background. photos by kja

BLOOMINGTON KENNEDY
STARTERS
Aubrey Davis 2, 4, 50.0, .250 guard
Brittany Zins 13, 15. 86.7, .400 was a factor on the glass. physical, can hold her ground. can score in and out as her 3s showed. can improve ball handling/passing choices.
Kelly Boelter 2, 7, 28.6, .143 post type. made hustle save on an offensive rebound knocking the ball off a Richfielders legs. did make a 15 footer. Needs to work on footwork and ball handling, or limit ball handling moves.
Shakila Boler 11, 8, 137.5, .625 has command of the game. can inject herself into the contest to accelerate her team's margin. good vision, deft passing. sleek ball handling. simple moves are devastating. got in trouble when she bounced without going anywhere
Bailey Lund 2, 2, 100.0, .500 rugged perimeter type. good hands, and focus.
BENCH
Alex Love 0, 2, 0.0, .000 needs to be aware of lines, and situations.
Sheridan Reiners 2, 3, 66.7, .333 guard. not afraid of contact.
Kaylani Edwards 1, 4, 25.0, .250 post player who has been hitting the weight room.
Raven Boone 0, 1, 0.0, .000

RICHFIELD
STARTERS
Shannon Doig 2, 2, 100.0, .500 post player scored right away at the blocks and never really was involved after that. strong frame.
Jamie Noonan 3, 8, 37.5, .125 guard. stronger frame. needs to create space and keep vision against quick pressing teams.
Lisa Klaas 2, 4, 50.0, .250 guard. needs to create space to see over traps in the press.
Pamela January 6, 11, 54.5, .273 perimeter, strong, quick. likes to drive, and then pull up. has attacking attitude. Needs to shorten her passes, or at least get her teammates to come to her to shorten the pass.
Amy Peterson 3, 5, 60.0, .400 thinner post. Will get second shots, but needs to finish.
BENCH
Mandy Poke 11, 12, 91.7, .500 perimeter, good quickness. has good hang time. Likes to drive right to the glass. Will drive baseline. Can score when hit. Went to the line three times, the most of any player. Likes to spin to change directions.
Kierra Jeffers 2, 4, 50.0, .250

TRENCH PLAYER
Shakila Boler

BY THE NUMBERS
Bloomington Kennedy 33, 46, 71.7, .347
Richfield 31, 46, 67.4, .326
made 3s: Kennedy 4, Richfield 0
made fts: Kennedy 5, Richfield 4
bench: Richfield 13, Kennedy 3

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
KENNEDY
Shakila Boler 5
Brittany Zins 5
Aubrey Davis 3
Kelly Boelter 2
Bailey Lund 2
Kaylani Edwards 2
Sheridan Reiners 1
Raven Boone 1
totals: 21

RICHFIELD
Mandy Poke 6
Jamie Noonan 5
Pamela January 4
Shannon Doig 2
Lisa Klaas 2
Amy Peterson 1
totals: 20

Next up: tomorrow, unless there is breaking news

Out & About: Suns/Henry Sibley

#3 posting 10.17.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

MYAS FALL LEAGUE
Orange Division
SUNS 58, HENRY SIBLEY 42

This game was supposed to be the Suns vs Hudson, WI, but they forfeited two games on Sunday. The word was it was a Wisconsin High School rule. So The Suns faced the host Henry Sibley. If you have been following the last weekend results you know it was a three point barrage all day in the games I saw, but the top performances by players and teams was in this game. The most 3s by a player: Kayla Hulsebus, Suns 6; most by a team: 8 by the Suns: and most by both teams combined: 15.

Neither team was at full strength with only one bench player between both teams. The Suns are a multiple school team. They played together as the Suns Gold 14u team this summer. The only players with varsity experience on the Suns are Long and Geif.

It started raining 3s right away with Hulsebus wasting now time striking behind the arc on the first Sun possession. After that the Suns set for five possessions coming up empty. That was the only portion of the game Henry Sibley led at 4-3. The Suns went on a 16-3 run with 10 of those points from the hands of Erica Trebing. HS had a seven possession drought and needed a time out to get their wind back. The Suns also enjoyed an advantage on the offensive glass with 9 points via second chancers. HS did have their own 9-2 run to cut the margin to 28-20. Ellie Garcia provided five of those points. The Suns closed out the first half with a 9-4 run to lead 37-24 at the break.

Just like in the first half Hulsebus opened the scoring in the second half with another bomb, her fifth on the day. Katie Ahlstrom was just starting to heat up from the hinterlands with her second trey of the day for HS. Chelsea M hit for a three to make the margin 40-27, but the margin never dropped below 13 the rest of the night. The Suns lead ballooned to 52-35 with the help of a 7-0 run during a five possession drought, but Ahlstrom scored on three consecutive possessions for HS to cut it back to 52-39. The later portion of the game featured tired, weary play as HS went into a 9 possession drought. The Suns also had problems scoring with a five possession drought. They were looking for every player to attempt a three also late in the game.

Photos: #1. Natalie Hanson loses the ball on the drive for Henry Sibley, defenders for the Suns left to right--Kayla Hulsebus, Jade Geif, Alexis Long; #2 Katie Ahlstrom, Henry Sibley launches one of her 3s; #3 Alexis Long snatches the ball on a fast break lay up attempt by Hanson. photos by kja

SUNS
STARTERS
Kayla Hulsebus, St. Croix Lutheran 24, 16, 150.0, .563 3 point instant offense. zone buster. Almost all her shots were from a different zip code. had 7 steals on the day. runs the floor. has speed (is also a soccer player). Needs to be clean with ball handling.
Erica Trebing, Prior Lake 12, 14, 85.7. .357 perimeter player. had a flurry late in first half. 3 range. Can score when hit. crashes offensive boards.
Megan Strommen, Woodbury 5, 8, 62.5, .250 stronger framed perimeter player. Has 3 range
Jade Geif, Lakeville South 6, 8, 75.0, .375 lanky, lean. plays inside. has long fingers. good fluid movement. gets off the ground.
Alexis Long, Maranatha 7, 9, 77.8, .444 guard. understands where she needs to be to make a play. gets defensive rebounding position.
BENCH
Megan Pold, Prior Lake 4, 5, 80.0, .400 post

HENRY SIBLEY
STARTERS
Ava Garcia 0, 5, 0.0, .000
Ellis Garcia 7, 9, 77.8, .333 main rebounder. enforcer. has 3 range.
Natalie Hanson 10, 15, 66.7, .333 likes to drive to the hoop. Not afraid of contact. 3 range. With no bench, got tired and did not score the second half.
Katie Ahlstrom 16, 11, 145.5, .545 3 point shooter with four on the day. will also look to drive if given an opportunity.
Chelsea M 9, 18, 50.0, .222 Looks and plays a lot like Natalie Hanson.
BENCH
none
All the HS players need to polish their ball handling and decision making skills.

TRENCH PLAYER
Kayla Hulsebus launches one her long range missles.

BY THE NUMBERS
Suns 58, 60, 96.7, .417
Henry Sibley 42, 58, 72.4, .310
made 3s: Suns 8, HS 7
made fts: Suns 8, HS 3
bench: Suns 4, HS 0

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
SUNS
Kayla Hulsebus 10
Jade Geif 8
Erica Trebing 6
Alexis Long 6
Megan Strommen 3
Megan Pold 1
totals: 34

HENRY SIBLEY
Ellie Garcia 9
Katie Ahlstrom 4
Natalie Hanson 4
Chelsea M 4
Ava Garcia 3
totals: 24

Next up: tomorrow, unless news breaks. I will have the Fall week in review tomorrow, not Friday.