#6 posting 8.8.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information
SWEET 16 TOURNAMENT
College of St. Benedict, Championship
CENTENNIAL cougars 79,
ST. PAUL CENTRAL minutemen 55
Centennial knocked off defending AAAA champion St. Paul Central in the championship game of the Sweet 16 tournament. Centennial again showed why they will be a team to be reckoned with in the winter with depth and talent, and a variety of scoring options. It was the third game Centennial scored over 70 points in this tournament against the better teams around.
Centennial didn't hesitate at the start jumping off to a six point lead which soon stretched out to 14-2. Megan Nipe and Bridget Schuneman each had four points in the initial run. SPC started off with a six possession drought, and was 1/10 on their first possessions. Centennial did have a dry patch too coming up empty on five possessions and also 1/10. SPC got as close as seven down at 26-19 at this point after a Georgie Jones basket with five minutes left. Centennial snapped out of the doldrums with five straight scoring possessions at the end of the half. Just like against Becker, Centennial crashed the offensive boards hard in the first half and came up with 16 second (or third) chance points. Centennial led at half 36-25. Nipe had 11 at the break, followed closely behind by Allums with 10.
That 11 point advantage soon ballooned out to 19 with a 13-6 start to the second half by Centennial. In what was a signature moment of the game, Kiara Allums raced past a Central player who was jogging after what looked to be a normal over and back call. Allums took control of the ball at the other baseline and proceeded to get the lay up. That hustle play personified the Centennial effort that day. It also gave them a 53-33 lead and the game was all but wrapped up. Centennial pulled their starters with a 62-37 lead with 8 minutes left. The next five for Centennial were no slouches on the floor. Initially SPC got hot with five straight scores on a 9-2 run, but Centennial played even 17-18 the last eight minutes. Holly Hofland had 12 points in this flourish including two 3s. Centennial proved to be more active and aware plus played with verve and a sense of urgency. SPC was flat footed most of the game. Now summer is over, the book is closed. November and the start of the 2007-08 season awaits. It looks as if there will be a few contenders for the crown Central is wearing.
photos: #1 Kiara Allums, 32 red, goes up for a lay up surrounded by Megan Howard, 11; Theairra Taylor, 3; and Kiara Buford. #2 Megan Nipe goes up for a second shot against Georgie Jones. photos by Coach Teas.
CENTENNIAL
STARTERS
Kiara Allums 20, 18, 111.1, .611 hustle play signified the difference in the game. moves without the ball. scored on drives and second chancers. runs the floor. went to the line four times alone in the first half.
Megan Nipe 17, 16, 106.3, .500 nose for the ball. quick release. not afraid to go inside and body people.
Megan Waytashek 4, 5, 80.0, .400 lanky tweener. runs floor well.
Emily Becken 7, 4, 175.0, .750 another strong performance. active and alert. good footwork. nails her 3s.
Kayla Blom 5, 5, 100.0, .400 quietly does little things well. very aware of action. movements crisp and sharp.
BENCH
Bridget Schuneman 9, 6, 150.0, .833 banger inside. physical
Lauren Becchetti 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Hannah Steele 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Holly Hofland 12, 6, 200.0, .833 guard in the wings.
Amanda McAuley 3, 2, 150.0, .500
ST. PAUL CENTRAL
STARTERS
Kiara Buford 17, 19, 89.4, .421 nine of her points came after the Centennial starters were sitting down
Theairra Taylor 5, 11, 45.5, .273 was bothered by an ankle injury suffered in the Hopkins game.
Megan Howard 3, 5, 60.0, .200 limited to one put back &1.
Georgie Jones 13, 9, 144.4, .778 played with more energy. went to the line four times.
Kyanna Johnson 9, 10, 90.0, .556 scored off the drive.
BENCH
Brittany Dorsey 8, 9, 88.9, .444 another with a pull up shot.
Tasha Garrett 0, 4, 0.0, .000
Cyonna West 0, 0, 0.0, .000 invisible on offense
TRENCH PLAYER
Kiara Allums
BY THE NUMBERS
Centennial 79, 67, 117,9, .567
St. Paul Central 55, 67, 82.1, .418
made 3s: Centennial 4, SPC 1
made fts: SPC 18, Centennial 11
bench: Centennial 26, SPC 8
A potential crack in the Centennial operation: Central went to the line 11 time and made 18 free throws. Centennial has depth, but I don't believe they want to watch a free throw parade develop.
DEFENSIVE WRAPS
CENTENNIAL
Kiara Allums 7.5
Megan Nipe 6.5
Megan Waytashek 6
Bridget Schuneman 4
Kayla Blom 4
Emily Becken 3
Hannah Steele 1
Amanda McAulay 1
totals: 33
ST. PAUL CENTRAL
Kiara Buford 6
Megan Howard 6
Georgie Jones 6
Theairra Taylor 2
Kyanna Johnson 2
Brittany Dorsey 2
Cyonna West 1
Totals: 25
Next up: tomorrow morning
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Out & About: Centennial/St. Paul Central
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Out & About: Centennial/Becker
#3 posting 8.7.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information
SWEET 16 TOURNAMENT
College of St. Benedict, Semifinals
CENTENNIAL cougars 54, BECKER bulldogs 48
Centennial overcame a slow start, built up a comfortable margin, and then hung on to defeat defending AAA champs Becker 54-48 in the Sweet 16 semifinals. Megan Nipe and Emily Becken provided 19 points each to knock the Bulldogs out.
After the first nine possessions it was Becker up 8-3. Centennial was mired in a seven possession slump, their longest of the tournament. At this rate their pp100 would have been 33.3. They didn't take their first lead until Becken scored on a drive off a Becker turnover. Centennial never trailed after that. Becker was also having offensive stagnation with a seven possession dry spell in Centennial's 6-0 run. Becker early on was in the double bonus, but they couldn't exploit the situation as they missed eight first half free throws. On top of that woe, Centennial started to rev up their motors with second chance points paving the way. Centennial had 16 points on second chancers in the first half. Centennial had a 7/8 offensive sequence on a 15-2 run. Becken had 6 while Nipe delivered 5 points in the outburst. It was at this time Centennial had 14 points on second (or third) chancers. It was 28-15 at this point. Becker did shave some of the margin off to close the half 30-21.
Centennial came out hot at the start of the second half with three straight scores to go up 35-21. Becker bounced back with four straight scores of their own coupled with another Centennial drought, this time six possessions. Brianna Mastey had four of the points in an 8-0 run to cut the margin to 35-29. Becker couldn't move past that mark. Their offense slowed to a 2/9 offensive sequence as Centennial gathered steam again and went back in front 44-33. Centennial built their lead back to 48-35 with minutes to go. Becker, with their back to the wall started executing better. They finished with a 5/7 sequence on a 13-6 run including three 3s, two by Brianna Mastey. Centennial scored all six of their last points at the line. Time ran out for the Bulldogs and Centennial moved on to the championship game.
photos: #1 Tie up with Centennial's Raylee Buffalo and Amanda McAuley sandwiching a Becker player. #2 Shelly Stemper, 45 blue, drives around Emily Becken, 20 red. photos by Coach Teas.
CENTENNIAL
Bridget Schuneman 4, 4, 100.0, .500 rough and ready post player. uses her body to create space.
Emily Becken 19, 14, 135.7, .571 another strong performance for the point guard. was unruffled, calm, and steady. does crash the offensive boards
Kiara Allums 8, 12, 66.7, .333 quickness disconcerting to opposition. defensively picked up 7 boards.
Megan Nipe 19, 19, 100.0, .579 did major damage on the offensive boards early. has quick release. good elevation. strong. needs to finish better at the line. also had 7 d boards.
Kayla Blom 1, 4, 25.0, .250
BENCH
Megan Waytashek 3, 7, 42.9, .286 fouls hampered her ability to go in this game.
Raylee Buffalo 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Amanda McAuley 0, 1, 0.0, .000
BECKER
Rey Robinson 4, 12, 33.3, .167 lefty 3 point shooter. needs to be stronger with the ball physically and make better choices. is playing tentative
Brianna Mastey 17, 16, 106.3, .438 drew a lot of fouls the first half, not as much the second half. has 3 range, strong inside.
Shelly Stemper 12, 11, 109.1, .636 active, aggressive. plays with abandon. gets on the floor. led team with five defensive boards. can handle the point position. went to the line three times. needs to finish better at the line.
Jessie Althoff 5, 5, 100.0, .400 has 3 range. another big body. however she needs to play as big as she is. more defensive boards are a must.
Chelsea Lieser 0, 6, 0.0. .000
BENCH
Nicole Mastey 3, 3, 100.0, .333 needs to show more initiative and gumption on offense. has good instincts. good tools.
Alex Crapser 5, 4, 125.0, .500 was more aggressive and assertive on the outside. 3 point shooter.
#15 2, 2, 100.0, .500
#22 0, 1, 0.0, .000
#11 0, 1, 0.0, .000
#55 0, 2, 0.0, .000
TRENCH PLAYER
Megan Nipe
BY THE NUMBERS
Centennial 54, 62, 87.1, .452
Becker 48, 63, 76.2, .349
made 3s: Becker 5, Centennial 2
made fts: Centennial 10, Becker 10
bench: Becker 10, Centennial 3
Second chance points lifted Becker to the championship with 16 first half points coming after missed first opportunities. Oddly enough Centennial didn't have any second chancers in the second half.
DEFENSIVE WRAPS
CENTENNIAL
Kiara Allums 9
Megan Nipe 9
Emily Becken 7
Bridget Schuneman 5
Megan Waytashek 3
Kayla Blom 2
Raylee Buffalo 1
totals: 36
BECKER
Shelly Stemper 6.5
Brianna Mastey 5
Rey Robinson 4
Chelsea Lieser 4
Nicole Mastey 3
#22 2
Jessie Althoff 1.5
totals: 26
This game feature summer teammates from MN Stars Hested: Centennial's Kiara Allums and Emily Becken faced Becker's Shelly Stemper and Brianna and Nicole Mastey.
Next up: tomorrow morning. later tomorrow the finals from the Sweet 16. On Sunday the week that was #19 and then on August 19 (two Sundays from now) the end of the summer awards. If you have nominations, go to my profile and email your ideas.
Out & About: St. Paul Central/Eden Prairie
#2 posting 8.7.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information
SWEET 16 TOURNAMENT
Quarterfinals, College of St. Benedict
ST. PAUL CENTRAL minutemen 59,
EDEN PRAIRIE eagles 33
St. Paul Central overcame a sluggish first half with a 24-3 run to open the second half in a 59-33 win over Eden Prairie. EP answered the call earlier in the week when one of the Sweet 16 teams backed out. It should be noted that Eden Prairie made the decision to come on Tuesday and therefore their full team was not in attendance. They did grab an opportunity however and made good use of it. They opened with a win over Hancock to reach the quarters.
EP did have a 10-7 lead early with two consecutive 3s, one by Michelle Tobin, the other by Morgan VanRiper-Rose. SPC went on a 7-1 run to lead 14-11. Megan Howard had all seven of those points, five of which came on second chancers. EP had one last run to take the lead at 16-14 before the speed and pressure started to take their toll on the EP ball handlers. And before the SPC offense woke up. They had a six possession slumber during the EP run up. SPC had an 11-0 run to push the lead to 25-16. This time it was EP that had drought issues with 8 possessions coming up empty. Four possessions ended up as turnovers. SPC led at half 25-20.
The alarm clocks went off at half time and SPC came out a bit more on the mark. Their defense also clamped down on EP's shooters. EP started the half with a five possession drought, four on turnovers. SPC's defensive intensity kept up the pressure. EP was had a pp100 for the first 22 possessions of the second half at 13.6 and a floor % a bone chilling .091. Half of those 22 EP tries ended as turnovers. SPC on the other hand was cooking with gas. They had an 8/9 sequence with five coming on second chance opportunities and four coming on lay ups. There wasn't much doubt after that eruption. SPC cruised to a 59-33 win.
photos: #1 Theairra Taylor, 3 gold, skies for at the end of a drive. #2: Laura Weber, 15 black, pulls down one of the 11 defense boards she collected on the day. photos by coach Teas.
ST. PAUL CENTRAL
STARTERS
Georgie Jones 5, 10, 50.0, .300 post. three points of second chancers. drifts inside
Kiara Buford 12, 9, 133.3, .667 much more active defensively with six steals. good speed, likes transition. has 3 range
Megan Howard 17, 12, 141.7, .667 lunch bucket player whose initial efforts in the first half helped keep SPC involved in the game. a force to be reckoned with on the offensive boards. strong and powerful. can get hit and score.
Kyana Johnson 11, 11, 100.0, .455 point guard, transition and 3s are her favorite shots
Theairra Taylor 10, 8, 125.0, .500 can get up. delivered a couple of 3s. was also active defensively with four steals.
BENCH
Brittany Dorsey 2, 4, 50.0, .250 still learning the SPC system. will be better as the high school season rolls on
Tasha Garrett 2, 9, 22.2, .111
Cyonna West 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Samantha Robinson-Ricks 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Quinesha Adams 0, 1, 0.0, .000
EDEN PRAIRIE
STARTERS
Keely Brennan 0, 6, 0.0, .000
Laura Weber 7, 8, 87.5, .500 bulwark inside. hauled down 11 rebounds. went to the line three times. five of her points came at the line.
Michelle Tobin 11, 12, 91.7, .500 has some range on her shot. also was fouled, but needs to be more consistent at the line.
Serenae Levine 5, 12, 41.7, .250
Kelsey Faber 0, 4, 0.0, .000
BENCH
Morgan VanRiper-Rose 9, 7, 128.6, .429 nailed three 3s.
Kayleigh Dittes 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Carlita Gay 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Shannon Anderson 0, 5, 0.0, .000
Erin Puk 1, 7, 14.3, .143
TRENCH PLAYER
Megan Howard
BY THE NUMBERS
St. Paul Central 59, 67, 88.1, .418
Eden Prairie 33, 66, 50.0, .258
made 3s: SPC 5, EP 4
made fts: SPC 10, EP 9
bench: EP 10, SPC 4
DEFENSIVE WRAPS
ST. PAUL CENTRAL
Kiara Buford 10
Theairra Taylor 8
Georgie Jones 7
Brittany Dorsey 5
Megan Howard 3
Kyana Johnson 3
Cyonna West 3
Tasha Garrett 2
Samantha Robinson-Ricks 2
totals: 43
EDEN PRAIRIE
Laura Weber 13
Carlita Gay 4
Serenae Levine 4
Morgan VanRiper-Rose 3
Keely Brennan 2
Michelle Tobin 2
Shannon Anderson 2
totals: 30
Next up: the semis with Centennial vs Becker.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Out & About: Centennial/Rogers
#4 posting 8.6.2007
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SWEET 16 TOURNAMENT
First Round, College of St. Benedict
CENTENNIAL cougars, ROGERS royals 30
Centennial two weeks ago beat Rogers by four. It wasn't that close on Saturday in the first round game as the Cougars went on a 70-30 rampage. Centennial's depth and talent made it hard for Rogers all day. Centennial nailed eight 3s on the day with five different players striking behind the arc. Rogers tried their best to slow the game down. They did that as there were only 53 possessions per team, the lowest total in the five tournament games I watched. It didn't slow Centennial down at all. They staged a first half blitz leading at half time 40-14. Oddly enough Centennial did not have more than three scoring possessions in
a row in the first half. What they did have was seven 3 point possessions with 5 behind the arc, and two old fashioned three point plays. Rogers, on the other hand, had two six possession droughts. Centennial had runs of 10-1 and 15-2 during those sequences.
Bridget Schuneman 5, 5, 100.0, .600 physical post player. strong. assertive
TRENCH PLAYERDEFENSIVE WRAPS
Out & About: Hopkins/Crookston
#3 posting 8.6.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information
SWEET 16 TOURNAMENT
First Round, College of St. Benedict
HOPKINS royals 54, CROOKSTON pirates 53
Hopkins rallied from a seven point second half deficit to beat Crookston in the opening round of the sweet 16. The lead changed hands four times at the end capped off with two free throws by Hanna Muegge.
Crookston grabbed the early lead at 8-5 with four scores in their first five possessions. After that they fell into a six possession dry spell. That didn't hurt their cause because Hopkins matched them with five possessions. Crookston pushed it out to 13-8 and then fell into a deeper drought, this time nine possessions. This time Hopkins did take advantage with an 8-0 run. Caitlin Rowland had four points in the run for Hopkins. As was typical of this game, Crookston went on a 10-2 run to finish the half. Kamille Wahlin had eight points in the Pirate resurgence.
Wahlin had 12 points at half.
Hopkins started the second half closing to 23-22 after two baskets by Rowland. Sydney Epema answered with two treys to give Crookston their biggest lead of the game 29-22. Hopkins was in the doldrums with a five possession drought. The Royals snapped out of their offensive stalemate with an 8/9 scoring string and 18-6 run to go up 40-35. Jenna Lillemoe hit two 3s in the onslaught. Bri Williams, Steph Sension and Rowland each added four points. The pendulum switched over to Crookston with a 10-2 run with a four possession scoring sequence to go up 45-42. Tick tock, it was Hopkins turn, this time an 8-0 run to go up 50-45. All points came on drives or transition. Wahlin put Crookston on her back and delivered six points on two possessions: on a three, one on a "&1." That put Crookston up 51-50. The lead changed hands four times with Muegge dropping two free throws. Crookston had three cracks at the basket on their next possession. Lillemoe got the board for the Royals. Rowland was fouled and missed the front end of a one & one. Taylor Davis got the board for Crookston. Wahlin's drive missed, but they retained possession with 0.7 seconds left. She had another chance but that didn't drop. This was the tightest opening round game.
photos: #1 Kamille Wahlin, 11 white, drives in for a layup. #2: Tess Komarek, 23 blue, is fouled by Sydney Epema. photos by Coach Teas.
HOPKINS
STARTERS
Jenna Lillemoe 6, 6, 100.0, .333 hit 3s, got the big rebound late in the game.
Kara Elofson 4, 6, 66.7, .333 gives Hopkins a tough rebounder, enforcer type personality
Caitlin Rowland 19, 17, 111.8, .588 perimeter, good vision, clear decisions. has pull up. good communicator.
Steph Sension 12, 11, 109.1, .545 post player. changes things inside defensively. willing to take a charge. likes to take an occasional 3. went to the line three times.
Hanna Muegge 6, 15, 40.0, .200 handled point, made key free throws. needs to get her stops down.
BENCH
Bri Williams 5, 6, 83.3, .500 youngster gave energy off the bench, active defensively.
Tori Joransen 0, 2, 0.0, .000 back up post
Tess Komarek 2, 4, 50.0, .250 guard
Chelsea Garcia 0 2, 0.0, .000 guard
CROOKSTON
STARTERS
Macy Hanson 4, 5, 80.0, .400 perimeter player
Molly Simmons 5, 10, 50.0. .200 perimeter player. hit a 3
Kamille Wahlin 22, 17, 129.4, .558 point guard, lefty, is aware, head and eyes up, delivers to the right players. doesn't get caught in trap situations. favors pull up shot
Sydney Epema 8, 12, 66.7, .250 another perimeter player. canned two 3s. subs at point when Wahlin sits
Taylor Davis 8, 16, 50.0, .250 post player. went to the line three times.
BENCH
Lauren Graham 0, 4, 0.0,. .000 post sub
Anna Cymbaluk 3, 2, 150.0, .500
Brea Aamoth 3, 3, 100.0, 1.000
TRENCH PLAYER
Caitlin Rowland
BY THE NUMBERS
Hopkins 54, 69, 78.3, .391
Crookston 53, 69, 76.8, .333
made 3s: Crookston 5, Hopkins 2
made fts: Hopkins 8, Crookston 7
bench: Hopkins 7, Crookston 6
Rowland and Wahlin were teammates this summer with North Tartan Larson.
Crookston only had five two point baskets that weren't scored by Wahlin.
Most of the early Crookston points came via the drive or line.
DEFENSIVE WRAPS
HOPKINS
Steph Sension 9
Bri Williams 6
Hanna Muegge 6
Chelsea Garcia 4
Caitlin Rowland 4
Kara Elofson 3
Tess Komarek 3
Jenna Lillemoe 2
Tori Joranson 2
totals: 39
CROOKSTON
Molly Simmons 6
Taylor Davis 5
Kamille Wahlin 4.5
Sydney Epema 4.5
Macy Hanson 3
Brea Aamoth 2
Lauren Graham 1
totals: 26
next up: another first round game in the Sweet 16: Centennial vs Rogers
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Out & About: IBCA Select I/Dakota Hardwood Threat
#8 posting 7.31.2007
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NORTH TARTAN MELTDOWN
CHAMPIONSHIP, Diamond Division, Gold Bracket
IBCA SELECT I 72, DAKOTA HARDWOOD THREAT 57
IBCA Select I won the North Tartan Meltdown by running the floor, nailing timely 3s and cashing in at the line. Katelin Oney right from the start established her imprint on the game with a lay up off the opening tip. By halftime Oney had 15 points. IBCA never had major runs, but they had enough little ones, and few dry spells. DHT did have a momentary lead at 8-7. Indy Uhlenhopp put IBCA up to stay with a basket inside. DHT had a dry spell with only one score in eight possessions. During that time IBCA went on a 14-2 run to lead 21-10. That lead expanded to 48-20 at the largest in the first half. IBCA led 48-23 at half. Oney was a one person recking crew with 3 three point plays including one from beyond the arc. IBCA made all 14 free throws attempts in the first half. IBCA also dropped six 3s in the first half.
In the second half DHT managed to cut the margin to 50-30 early in the half. Whitney Lickteig had five of the points in the DHT 7-2 run. IBCA did push the lead back out to 61-36 with a five possession offensive string. The lack of bodies on the bench was taking its toll on DHT. They only had seven players and the gas tank was nearing empty with the third game of the day. IBCA kept up their attack and led 72-43. DHT finished up with a 14-0 run as they connected on 6/7 offensive chances. Maggie Malloy had five points in the run. IBCA finished with an eight possession drought. The final turned out to be 72-57
TRENCH PLAYER
Out & About: Dakota Hardwood Threat/North Tartan Crosby
#7 posting 7.31.2007
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NORTH TARTAN MELTDOWN
Diamond Division Gold Bracket Semifinals
DAKOTA HARDWOOD THREAT 66
NORTH TARTAN CROSBY 46
Dakota Hardwood Threat came out smoking and rode that momentum to the finals in a 66-46 over host North Tartan Crosby. DHT started off with a 9/11 offensive sequence and led 19-8. If they kept up this pace DHT would have 172..7 pp100 and a floor % a sizzling .818. Amber Wollschlager had eight points in the run up. Wollschlager for the half had 14 points in eight possessions. That would be a 175 pp100. No matter how you slice it DHT was blistering. Joining Wollschlager with a red hot hand was Nicky Rausch with 12 points in the first half. NTC had to fight to get out of the whole right from the start. Whitney Lickteig nailed a three on the opening possession for DHT. Ironically it was to be her only points of the day. NTC wasn't that far off the pace early with a 4/5 offensive string. A seven possession drought soon after didn't help their cause. Still DHT kept up their torrid pace. Later in the first half DHT checked in with a 7/8 offensive sequence. At one point DHT led 35-20. NTC did string four possessions late in the half and cut the margin to 39-28 at halftime.
NTC came out smoking in the second half with five straight scores on a 10-4 run and 18-8 run going back to the later stages of the first half. Beth Christensen had seven of those points going back to the first half. NTC was able to shave another point off the score to close to 46-42. But they went through the Sahara after that with seven straight trips that came up empty. DHT added 10 points to their totals and it was 56-42. A difficult comeback attempt became much harder when DHT scored six points on one possession. Wollschlager was fouled on "& 1" but missed the one. Rausch grabbed the miss and Maggie Malloy scored again on a "& 1." Again the one was missed. Again DHT grabbed the rebound. To come full circle it was Wollschlager with the put back for four points in the six point possession. That sealed NTC's fate as they trailed 62-44 with five minutes left. As hot as the teams were early, the later part of the second half turned frigid. NTC finished 1/10 on their chances; DHT 2/9.
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TRENCH PLAYER
Monday, July 30, 2007
Out & About: IBCA Select I/New Mexico Heat
#7 posting 7.30.2007
IBCA Select I took a step to the championship with rally win over the New Mexico Heat. IBCA cured their free throw shooting woes they suffered on Friday morning with 10 of their last points coming at the line.IBCA started off the game with a 5-1 advantage after a three by Trisha Nesbitt. NMH came back with their only lead in the first half with an 8-3 run to lead 9-8. IBCA bounced back with a 9-0 run to take their biggest lead of the game 17-9 on a 4/5 offensive sequence. Nesbitt nailed another three to finish the run. IBCA led at half 25-20.
IBCA stretched the lead early in the second half to 29-22. NMH took off
on a 12-0 run. Telisha Joe scored eight of the points as NMH led 34-29. Chelsie Trask narrowed the gap with a three for IBCA, and Nesbitt tied the contest on a drive at 34 all. Joe answered the call with a three to give NMH some breathing room 37-34. NMH pushed the lead out to 43-38 and led 45-41 with 2:44 left. But already IBCA was on the road to victory with the first two possessions of a seven possession avalanche to close the game. Kelly Krei had a "&1" to put IBCA within striking distance after the 5 point NMH lead. Katelin Oney tied the game with a pair of free throws, and then put IBCA up with another two charity tosses. IBCA cashed in at the line one their last six possessions. NMH picked the wrong time to go cold with their last five possessions coming up empty. Joe was the leader and had the hot hand. Nesbitt was assigned to take her as IBCA went to a 1/3 defense. That threw a wrench in the Heat's plans. 
Out & About: North Tartan Crosby/Sultan Prospects
#6 posting 7.30.2007
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NORTH TARTAN MELTDOWN
Diamond Division Quarterfinals
NORTH TARTAN CROSBY 48
SULTAN PROSPECTS OF CANANDA 46
In an international flavored quarterfinal it was host North Tartan Crosby rallying from six down in the second half, then holding on, to beat Sultan Prospects of Canada 48-46. SPC is mainly from the Brampton Area which is a western suburb of Toronto. SPC also had unique uniforms. It this game they wore the pink in support of breast cancer research. They also had copper uniforms they used later in the day.
SPC looks to push the ball at every opportunity. They grabbed an early 12-7 lead. Six of their first 12 points were the result of transition or hard drives to the glass. NTC had a rough start with a five possession drought at the beginning. SPC led 27-23 at the break.
The second half got off to a slow start with only one score from both teams combined for the first 9 possessions. SPC did stretch their lead to 31-25, their biggest in the second half. NTC had their first push to take the lead with a 10-3 run. Molly Geske scored the last five for NTC and had a three, the second three in the run for NTC. That 35-34 lead lasted one possession as SPC answered with a drive 
by Kristy Lee. SPC pulled the margin out to 38-35. NTC then had their second run, this time 11-0 with a 5/6 offensive sequence. Again Geske dropped the last five with a trey in the mix. That put NTC in the driver's seat 46-38 with 4:21 left. That is when the NTC offense ground to a halt. In the last nine possessions NTC scored once. In the meantime SPC ran off 8 straight to tie the game at 46. Six of those points came via NTC turnovers translated into layups. With under a minute left Beth Christensen scored on an aggressive drive to the glass. That ended all scoring. NTC had two front ends of one & ones that the missed on their last two possessions. SPC missed on a three, and had a key fumble with under 15 seconds left.
Photos: #1 Kaila Montgomery, 14 pink, goes up for a shot with Sara Hendricks, 23 white NTC, goes up with a block and foul. #2 Kristy Lee, 55 pink, scores in transition, with Jenna Lillemoe, 13 white looking on. #3 Maggie Bryant, 25 white, is airborne going up for a lay up with Christine Hyde, 5 pink, also as airborne going up to try to stop the shot. photos by kja.
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TRENCH PLAYER
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Out & About: Mpls Lady Cats/Gym Rats
#4 posting 7.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information
NORTH TARTAN MELTDOWN
PEARL DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
MINNEAPOLIS LADY CATS 68, GYM RATS 23
Always bet on Cats when facing Rats. The Minneapolis Lady Cats used their cat like quickness to devour the Gym Rats 68-23. It was over pretty fast. MLC led 15-0 before the Gym Rats made a free throw. MLC led 30-2 before the first GR field goal with 3:53 left in the first half. MLC held the GR to an 11 possession drought to open the game, seven of which were turnovers. The GR also had a 10 possession drought later in the half. Turnovers were the main bread and butter for the MLC as the defense forced turnovers galore. The Gym Rats had problems advancing the ball to mid court. MLC had 18 points on steals and lay ups. It was 43-10 at half time. Tyisha Smith led the buzz saw attack with 11 points.
There really wasn't much change in the second half. There was one main drought for the Gym Rats with an 8 possession patch. This game did not have any mystery. The one bright spot for the Gym Rats was the performance of Kayla Hirt who had 12 points.
TRENCH PLAYERDEFENSIVE WRAPS
Out & About: Hopkins/DeLaSalle
#3 posting 7.29.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information
MINNESOTA TEAM CAMP
A CHAMPIONSHIP
HOPKINS royals 24, DE LA SALLE islanders 20
In a steamy Williams Arena, Hopkins won the A portion of the Minnesota Gopher team camp. A year ago Hopkins fell in the championship game to Bismarck Century 30-21. With running 20 minute running time there wasn't going to be much scoring considering the free throws and sub patterns. Add on top of that the general fatigue after a few days of camp in the sweltering environment and you are not going to see the top level offensive performances.
DeLaSalle had the early lead at 3-0 as Hopkins had a five possession drought to start the contest. Hopkins took their first lead on Stephanie Sension's 3 with over 4:45 left in the half. No one scored the rest of the way as DLS closed with a seven possession drought.
There was almost as much scoring in the first 8 minutes of the second half as the entire first half with Hopkins still maintaining a 15-13 lead. Then both offensives ground to a halt for 12 possessions. Hopkins went silent for six possessions while DLS suffered through seven. Hopkins' biggest lead came with 2:20 to go at 22-13. DLS staged a 7-2 rally in one minute's time which turned out to be the final score. However there were 40 seconds left and it was anybodies guess what was coming next. DLS had two possessions, yet did not score. Hopkins missed the front ends of two one and one chances as DLS was in a desperate rush to get the ball back.
photos: #1 Stephanie Sension shoots over Meme Hudnell and Marissa Randle. #2 Tory Rule, DLS gets set for take off. photos by kja
HOPKINS
STARTERS
Stephanie Sension 7, 9, 77.8, .333 post. gets up, has range
Chelsea Garcia 5, 3, 166.7, .333 hit a big 3 for breathing room
Hanna Muegge 7, 11, 63.6, .273 handled the point most of the day
Kara Elofson 2, 5, 40.0, .200 rebounding machine. relentless
Brianna Williams 2, 2, 100.0, .500
BENCH
Tori Joranson 1, 1, 100.0, 1.000
Tess Komarek 0, 3, 0.0, .000
DE LA SALLE
Meme Hudnell 8, 8, 100.0, .500 made four free throws. scored off the drive
Aaryn Booker 3, 5, 60.0, .400 another lunch bucket performance underneath
Carissa Wolyniec 4, 6, 66.7, .333
Anna Kovalchuk 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Alex Bledsoe 0, 1, 0.0, .000 main point guard
BENCH
Sarina Baker 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Tory Rule 5, 10, 50.0, .300 during one stretch of the second half had seven straight possessions. likes to drive. wasn't given great opportunities by defense.
Rachel Amundson 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Marissa Randle 0, 1., 0.0, .000
Diamond Lane 0, 0, 0.0, .000
TRENCH PLAYER
Kara Elofson. Defense Got the Job Done
BY THE NUMBERS
Hopkins 24, 34, 70.6, .294
DeLaSalle 20, 36, 55.6, .306
made 3s: Hopkins 3, DLS 1
made fts: Hopkins 7, DLS 7
bench: DLS 5, Hopkins 1
Hopkins made only five field goals for the entire game, 2 in the second half. DLS duplicated that performance.
DEFENSIVE WRAPS
Kara Elofson 9
Stephanie Sension 2
Hanna Muegge 2
Brianna Williams 2
Chelsea Garcia 1
Tori Joranson 1
Tess Komarek 1
totals: 19
DE LA SALLE
Aaryn Booker 6
Anna Kovalchuk 3
Tory Rule 3
Meme Hudnell 2
Alex Bledsoe 2
Marissa Randle 2
Carissa Wolyniec 1
Sarina Baker 1
Diamond Lane 1
totals: 21
It should be noted both teams were missing players: Hopkins had Caitlin Rowland and Jenna Lillemoe out of action. DLS had Jamelia Hudnell, and Chelsey Jacox out.
Both teams are set for the Sweet 16 next week at the College of St. Benedict. Neither team will advance far if they duplicate their offensive performance. Their defense might have something to say who stays and who goes.
Next up: the Cats vs the Rats
Friday, July 27, 2007
Out & About:North Tartan Larson/IBCA Select I
#6 posting 7.27.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information
NORTH TARTAN MELTDOWN
Exhibtion Game
NORTH TARTAN LARSON 60, IBCA SELECT I 50
North Tartan Larson knocked off IBCA Select I, the current #1 team in the gbbrecruit rankings 60-50. Katie Loberg, pulled up from NT's 15u team made a big impact with 14 points in the win. She scored 8 straight points for NT when they trailed in the first half.
The gym at Hopkins was crowded with collegiate coaches watching two heavyweight contenders in this exhibition. NTL after the game had a plane to catch for Georgia and the Nike National tournament. That made for an early 8 am tip off. Kamille Wahlin, NTL's point guard, barely arrived before tip off. There was a dearth of scoring early, but NTL's Jackie Voigt was able to find the basket twice, once a three to put NTL up 5-0. IBCA started off with a six possession drought. Kaisha Brown broke the ice for IBCA with a three. That kicked off a 10-2 run for IBCA. NTL responded with a 7-0 run immediately. Next IBCA went off on a six possession scoring spree and 12-2 run capped off with six straight from Katelin Oney. That gave IBCA a 22-16 lead, which would be their biggest lead. After a time out, Voigt stepped up for NTL on a high low from Amanda Viehauser. Amber Kirschbaum put IBCA back up by six. NTL then went on an 11-1 run to finish the half. This is when Katie Loberg established her presence. She scored eight straight NTL points in the run as the size advantage started to wear on the smaller IBCA squad. NTL led 29-25 at half.
NTL maintained the lead in the second half testing the five point margin at least four times. Each time IBCA would narrow it somewhat. NTL went up 42-36 after a Kamille Wahlin transition lay up. IBCA had one last run in them and after a 7-0 run went back in front 7-0. Leading the charge again was Oney with 4 points. However a trend was developing that would haunt IBCA--missed free throws. IBCA left three points on the table in that run with missed free throws. NTL answered on the very next possession with a basket by Kiara Buford. That started a 10/11 possession string to close out the game as NTL squeezed every last opportunity. NTL was scoring in the paint and in transition as they threw over the top of the IBCA press. IBCA couldn't generate any continuity inside against the taller NTL team and settled, some times too quickly for the 3 attempt. It was a 50-46 game with four minutes left and IBCA finished up with 4/5 offensive sequence in that stretch, but on three of those possessions they only got one point.
TRENCH PLAYERAlso of note: future Iowa Hawkeye players Hannah Draxten (NTL) and Kelly Krei (IBCA) faced each other.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Out & About: Maple Grove/Osseo
#8 posting 7.26.2007
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information
CHAMPLIN PARK SUMMER LEAGUE
Championship
MAPLE GROVE 37, OSSEO 33
Maple Grove survived a scare and the heat to win the first Champlin Park Summer League. Osseo sent their JV since their varsity (that was undefeated in the CPSL) was at the Minnesota Gopher Team camp.
MG had the early advantage at 4-2. In the middle portion of the first half both teams rattled off seven straight scores. MG still led at the end of the outburst 14-8. Anna Gruhlke knocked down two 3s and Julie Kruse scored four points to account for MG's 10 in the run. Kyana Jones had all six of Osseo's points in the flurry. Osseo took their first lead at 17-16 on a three by Kaela Crouch. Osseo held a 19-16 lead at half. MG finished the half with a five possession dry patch.
The lead seesawed back and forth in the second half. There were three ties and neither team 
had a bigger lead than three points. Amanda Barfknecht drilled two consecutive threes in the give in take for Osseo. MG used their size advantage with Julie Kruse scoring a put back to tie the game at 29. MG had a five possession drought, but Osseo topped that with a nine possession drought. MG broke free from a 31 all tie. An 8-0 run put MG up 37-31. Alyssa Silva scored on a drive to put MG in the lead for good. MG finished the game with a six possession drought. Osseo didn't take advantage of the situation. Osseo finished the game with a 1/14 offensive sequence.
photos: #1 Julie Kruse and Hannah Reichel, MG, fight with an unamed Osseo player for a loose ball. #2 Amanda Barfknecht, 14 black, goes up for a shot. photos by kja
MAPLE GROVE
Rachel Biederman 2, 3, 66.7, .333
Julie Kruse 10, 10, 100.0, .500 delivered at the line. now in this league you make one free throw and that equals two points.
Marissa Lundy 4, 8, 50.0, .250
Alyssa Silva 2, 8, 25.0, .125
Anna Gruhlke 6, 3, 200.0, .667 nailed two 3s.
Jen Field 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Jennifer Bourbonais 7, 5, 140.0, .600
Hannah Reichel 4, 5, 80.0, .400
OSSEO
Jodi Trebisch 2, 5, 40.0, .200
Jessica Murto 4, 9, 44.4, .222
Kaela Crouch 5,11, 45.5, .182
Emily Larson 4, 5, 80.0, .400
Amanda Barfknecht 10, 9, 111.1, .444 hit from the outside with a two straight 3s.
Kyana Jones 8, 10, 80.0, .400 kept Osseo in the game with a flurry early in the first half.
TRENCH PLAYER
Jennifer Bourbonais
BY THE NUMBERS
Maple Grove 37, 47, 78.7, .362
Osseo 33, 49, 67.3, .306
made 3s: MG 3, Osseo 3
made fts: MG 8, Osseo 6
Next up: tomorrow morning
Out & About: Maple Grove/Park Center
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information
CHAMPLIN PARK SUMMER LEAGUE
Maple Grove won the Champlin Park Summer League defeating Park Center in the semis in overtime 48-44 and then topping rival Osseo in the finals 37-33. Osseo was undefeated in the regular season, but they were at the Gopher team camp. Instead Osseo sent their JV team to compete tonight.
Again the photos aren't uploading. Blogger seems to have problems at the photo end right now. I hope they get them fixed soon so you can see some game action. Since fixed.
The gym was not air conditioned. The players needed to take breaks for water often. As the night wore on the pace slowed considerably.
Another factor: MG didn't have uniforms so some numbers may be off.
Both semis went on at the same time Osseo beat Fridley in one, I watched the MG vs Park Center game.
The game opened with five straight scores by both teams combined. PC led 8-4 at this point. Brianna Blackhawk was the motor for the Pirate attack as she had 24 points on the night. She had 13 of the first 15 points for PC. MG had a six possession drought and PC pushed the lead out to 19-10. PC also had their own 11 possession drought and MG climbed their way back into the game to tie it at 19. Blackhawk struck again from beyond the arc. Jen Field ended the scoring for the half with a driving lay up for MG to make it 22-21 at the break.MG took a lead on a Alyssa Silva lay up 27-26. PC was mired in a seven possession drought during the MG rise. There were seven ties in the second half with PC holding a two point advantage and then MG matching. PC had the ball at 42 all with 15 seconds left, but a turnover stopped their chance. MG had one crack at the end but the shot by Julie Kruse didn't fall.
PC controlled the tip in overtime, but Blackhawk's off balance drive didn't drop. Kruse scored to give the upper hand to MG. Blackhawk answered for PC on an interior feed. Field scored what proved to be the game winner. An illegal screen ended PC's possession. Silva scored on a put back to finish the scoring.
MAPLE GROVE
Hannah Reichel 6, 5, 120.0, .600 post
Jen Field 8, 11, 72.7, .364 point guard
Anna Gruhlke 5, 6, 83.3, .333
Julie Kruse 8, 12, 66.7, .333 post, looked tired. she was at Elite camp and again there was no air conditioning.
Jennifer Bourbonais 4, 7, 57.1, .286
Alyssa Silva 10, 8, 125.0, .625 likes to drive
Marissa Lundy 0, 1, 0.0, .000
Rachel Biederman 7, 6, 116.7, .500
PARK CENTER
Kelly Weddington 8, 9, 88.9, .444
Briana Blackhawk 24., 20, 120.0, .500 hit three 3s and set the tempo early. can score off the drive or behind the arc.
Megan Endresen 4, 7, 57.1, .286
Ashley Buirge 2, 8, 25.0, .125
Brehana Hooker 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Maddie Sivanich 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Kelsey Peterson 2, 3, 66.7, .333
Alesha Benton 0, 2, 0.0, .000
Amy Van Hulzen 0, 2, 0.0, .000
TRENCH PLAYERAlyssa Silva
BY THE NUMBERS
Maple Grove 48, 56, 85.7, .411
Park Center 44, 55, 80.0, .345
made 3s: PC 3, MG 1
made fts: MG 5, PC 5
Next up: the championship game.
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