Out & About: Metro Stars Black/Team WI Select Samuels

#3 posting 6.17.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

this game took place on Saturday, June 14, 2008
SUMMER JAM
16u Sweet 16 round
Bloomington Jefferson
METRO STARS BLACK 43, TEAM WISCONSIN SELECT SAMUELS 40

Metro Stars Black rallied from 10 down with five minutes left to beat Team Wisconsin Select Samuels 43-40 in a battle of heavyweights. TWSS was without the services of Sam Hoyt who was at Central Michigan's camp and Heather Kessler who was at UW Green Bay's camp. TWSS added a few players from Team WI Select Doucette's team--Anna Cole and Brittany Gregorich. A key part of the win was the ability of MSB to neutralize the twin towers of Nicole Griffin and Cole. Combined they had six points.

TWSS broke free from a seven all tie with a 13-2 run in the first half to go up 20-9. They scored on five straight possessions in the run with Whitney Rawdon leading the way with four points. During the stretch MSB was only 1/9 on their offensive possessions. It turned around quickly with TWSS's offense going into snooze mode with a 1/11 finish to the half. MSB didn't really light it up either only adding five to their column. MSB was only 2/10 to finish the half. At the half it was 22-14. TWSS pp100 and floor % for the first half was 81.4 and .370; MSB was 53.8, and .269.

MSB opened with a 10-3 run to start the second half to close to 27-24. Lizzi Naumann had six of those points, four on second chancers. TWSS had their surge with a 8-1 run to get their biggest lead of the second half 35-25. MSB was 1/8 during that stretch with the last four trips all turnovers. Sam Price and Laura Petersen each had four in the run. Six of those TWSS points came at the line. So TWSS was not scoring from the floor with ease. Tina Fisher opened the 18-5 run for MSB with a drive. MSB would score on 8 of the next 10 possessions. Brittany Zins, Kirstee Rotty and Sam Mehr all added points from beyond the arc. Alyssa Marschner gave MSB their first lead of the second half with two free throws 40-39. Price made one free throw, missed the second, but TWSS maintained possession of the ball. Brea Tinney took a shot and Naumann rebounded for MSB. That set up what proved to be the game winning. Naumann found Fisher on the block and Fisher put a hook over the outstretched hands of Griffin for a 42-40 lead. TWSS took a time out and on the next possession Petersen drove and missed, but TWSS got the ball back under the basket. TWSS ran the same three point shot play that worked in their comeback vs. Team WI Select Doucette. This time the Petersen 3 attempt missed and Naumann gathered the board. She was fouled and made one free throw with 24.3 seconds left. TWSS had another crack at a tie, but Brittany Gregorich's shot missed the mark. Sam Mehr rebounded with 2.3 seconds ending a tightly contested game.

If you look at just the last 7 minutes combined of both halves MSB outscored TWSS 24-11. MSB needs to avoid the cold spells on their offensive performances. Take away the last 10 possessions of the game and MSB's floor % is .295 with a pp100 of 56.8.

photos: #1. Sam Price drives the lane in the first half with Tina Fisher in the way. #2 Fisher with the game winning shot over 6-6 Nicole Griffin. photos by kja

key: player, school, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
METRO STARS BLACK
STARTERS
Lizzi Naumann, Totino-Grace 11, 11, 100.0, .545 much more active and assertive on both ends of the floor. crashed the offensive glass. went to the line four times. scored when hit. key defensive rebounds late and key assist to Fisher.
Alyssa Marschner, Armstrong 6, 7, 85.7, .429 a scrappy 3 point shooter.
Brianna Tisch, Chaska 5, 7, 71.4, .429 works the glass at both ends of the floor.
Rachael Moen, Burnsville 0, 3, 0.0, .000 point guard
Molly Duehn, Burnsville 0, 5, 0.0, .000 "3"
BENCH
Kirstee Rotty, Farmington 3, 6, 50.0, .167 point guard.
Tina Fisher, Park-Cottage Grove 10, 7, 142.9, .714 locked up Griffin by being physical. leaned and didn't let her move around freely. made the game winner by attacking
Sam Mehr, Eastivew 3, 4, 75.0, .250 3 point shooter.
Brittany Zins, Bloomington Kennedy 5, 4, 125.0, .500 another perimeter shooter.

TEAM WI SELECT SAMUELS
STARTERS
Nicole Griffin, Milwaukee Vincent 4, 4, 100.0, .500 was neutralized in the post. needs to play with a wider stance so as not to get knocked off her spot. needs to keep the ball up, under her chin after defensive rebounds. free throw shot was off the back rim indicating her hand is dropping on her shot.
Brittany Gregorich, Altoona 2, 5, 40.0, .200 taller guard
Hannah Betz, Woodbury, MN 3, 4, 75.0, .250 guard. ball is exposed on offense. solid defender
Kayla Windt, Hurley 2, 2, 100.0, .500 guard.
Whitney Rowdon, Eau Claire North 6, 9, 66.7, .333 taller swing player. runs the floor and goes after offensive rebounds. exposes the ball. needs to smooth out free throw shot.
BENCH
Brea Tinney, Osceola 0, 5, 0.0, .000 guard.
Anna Cole, Mondovi 2, 5, 40.0, .200 6-6 post. picked up a pair of offensive fouls. needs to play like the incredible hulk creating mayhem in her wake.
Sam Price, Eau Claire North 12, 11, 109.1, .455 was the main point guard during the game. went to the line four times. made one three. oddly enough no assists. was called for carrying
Heather Byl, Osceola 3, 3, 100.0, .333 knocked down a corner 3.
Laura Petersen, Osseo-Fairchild 6, 8, 75.0, .375 was shut out in the first half. scored off the drive today.

TRENCH PLAYER
Lizzi Naumann, led her team in points, d stops and assists

BY THE NUMBERS
Metro Stars Black 43, 54, 79.6, .389
Team WI Select Samuels 40, 56, 71.4, .321
made 3s/&1s: MSB 3/0; TWSS 3/0
ftm/fta-ft%: TWSS 11/16-.688; MSB 10/17-.588
bench: TWSS 23, MSB 21

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
METRO STARS BLACK
Lizzi Naumann 6
Brianna Tisch 6
Alyssa Marschner 4
Kirstee Rotty 4
Sam Mehr 4
Tina Fisher 1
Rachael Moen 1
Molly Duehn 1
Brittany Zins 1
totals: 28

TEAM WI SELECT SAMUELS
Laura Petersen 4
Sam Price 3.5
Nicole Griffin 3
Brea Tinney 3
Brittany Gregorich 3
Hannah Betz 3
Whitney Rawdon 3
Anna Cole 1.5
Heather Byl 1
totals: 25

ASSISTS
METRO STARS BLACK
Lizzi Naumann 3
Molly Duehn 3
Kirstee Rotty 2
Sam Mehr 2
Rachael Moen 2
Tina Fisher 1
Totals: 13

TEAM WI SELECT SAMUELS
Laura Petersen 4
Brittany Gregorich 3
Nicole Griffin 2
Brea Tinney 2
Hannah Betz 1
Kayla Windt 1
Whitney Rawdon 1
totals: 14

next up: later tonight with an out & about from the summer leagues

Out & About: North Tartan 15s/All Iowa Attack Red

#2 posting 6.17.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

this game took place on Saturday, June 14, 2008
SUMMER JAM
16u Sweet 16 round
NORTH TARTAN 15s 77, ALL IOWA ATTACK RED 42

North Tartan, playing up, used their size and balance in beating All Iowa Attack Red 77-42. I got there late for the start of this contest due to the different court assignments. Five NT15 players had 9 or more points, two AIAR players had 9+. Laura Melquist had a big day with 19 points (when I charted) and combined with Kayla Hirt had 31 points between them inside. AIAR had 8 inside. It was already 11-5 for NT15 when I got situated.

NT15 ran off a 20-6 run to lead 31-11. AIAR took a time out to regroup. Part of the reason for the run up was three point plays on NT15 possessions. Gabby Boever hit a three, and on the next possession converted an &1. On another NT15 possession Melquist made the first free throw and Angela Christenson scored on the put back after the second missed. Melquist and Boever each had six in that run. AIAR had a seven possession drought at the same time. The most interesting play in this game came with 0.6 seconds left in the half. NT15 had the ball under the basket and called a time out. They brought in Angela Christenson who caught Rachel Banham's pass in the air, and shot in the air for a 36-19 NT15 lead at the half.

NT15 continued to blaze away at the nets. They scored on nine straight possessions in the second half, a 15-9 run. Hirt had six in that run. In another 15-6 run the NT15 posts (Melquist and Hurt) combined for 12 points.

photos: #1 Sari Noga shoots over Ally Jensen and Raelee Sullivan. #2 an unknown AIAR player is surrounded by Gabby Boever, Sari Noga and Angela Christenson. photos by kja

key: player, school, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
starters listed are from the 2nd half. there will be 11 points missing for NT15, 5 for AIAR
NORTH TARTAN 15
STARTERS
Laura Melquist, Rochester Lourdes 19, 13, 146.2, .692 post player that had her best outing so far. keeps the ball nice and high. strong, crashed the offensive boards. went to the line five times. when NT15 was pressed was on the receiving end of a few press lay ups.
Angela Christenson, Alexandria 9, 6, 150.0, .667 taller perimeter player. has good balance, hang time and court awareness. scored on the .6 play.
Ameshia Kearney, Minneapolis South 0, 3, 0.0, .000 point guard. breaks defense down with penetration.
Rachel Banham, Lakeville North 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000 guard. usually passes the ball in.
Katy Winge, Minnetonka 2, 2, 100.0, .500 perimeter shooter. tall. got after the defensive boards
BENCH
Kayla Hirt, Bemidji 12, 10, 120.0, .600 post player. has quick fluid movements. made a steal up top and took it in for the lay up.
Gabby Boever, Worthington 9, 6, 150.0, .667 point guard. can score out and off the drive. can also maintain her focus when hit.
Sari Noga, Parkers Prairie 10, 8, 125.0, .625 strong guard, sharp shooter. can also score off the drive.
Morgan Van Riper-Rose, Eden Prairie 3, 2, 150.0, .500 guard. hit a three in the right corner.
Hannah Strop, New Prague 0, 0, 0.0, .000 tall perimeter. similar in build to Jackie Voigt. rebounded and passed well.

ALL IOWA ATTACK RED
STARTERS
Ally Jensen, Ballard 14, 13, 107.7, .462 three point shooter. was strong with the ball. will also drive.
Megan Hogg, Waukee 6, 7, 85.7, .429 did her scoring in the second half.
Sam Abens, Knoxville 11, 11, 100.0, .400 unorthodox three point shooter.
Raelee Sullivan, Osage 2, 3, 66.7, .333. scored on a second chancer
Mariah Duke, Cedar Rapids Kennedy 1, 1, 100.0, 1.000. guard
BENCH
Kirsten Lipps, Algona 0, 5, 0.0, .000 rebounded on defense
Kayla Klopfenstein, Linn-Mar 0, 3, 0.0, .000 guard. looked to drive
Lucy Montgomery, WDM Valley 0, 3, 0.0, .000 3 point shooter that didn't hit
Kiersten Orton, Waukee 2, 3, 66.7, .333 went to the line twice
Jess Wheeler, Ballard 2, 3, 66.7, .333 scored off her defense

TRENCH PLAYER
Laura Melquist

BY THE NUMBERS
numbers only from when I charted
North Tartan 15 66, 51, 129.4, .608
All Iowa Attack Red 38, 51, 74.5, .333
made 3s/&1s: NT15 2/2; AIAR 5/0
ftm/fta-ft%: NT 12/23-.522; AIAR 6/10-.600
bench: NT15 34, AIAR 4
NT15 had five &1 attempts. If there is a flaw in the NT15 game it could be free throws. 52% is not good enough for national championships.

DEFENSIVE STOPS
NORTH TARTAN 15
Laura Melquist 5
Katy Winge 5
Kayla Hirt 4.5
Sari Noga 4
Ameshia Kearney 4
Hannah Strop 3.5
Angela Christenson 2
Rachel Banham 2
Morgan Van Riper-Rose 2
Gabby Boever 1
totals: 33

ALL IOWA ATTACK RED
Kirsten Lipps 6
Megan Hogg 3
Kiersten Orton 3
Jess Wheeler 3
Raelee Sullivan 2
Allly Jensen 1
Kayla Klopfenstein 1
Sam Abens 1
Lucy Montgomery 1
Mariah Duke 1
totals: 22

ASSISTS
NORTH TARTAN 15
Ameshia Kearney 5
Rachel Banham 5
Hannah Strop 4
Katy Winge 3
Gabby Boever 2
Angela Christenson 2
Sari Noga 2
Morgan Van Riper-Rose 2
Totals: 25

ALL IOWA ATTACK RED
Sam Abens 3
Jess Wheeler 3
Kayla Klopfenstein 2
Ally Jensen 1
Kirsten Lipps 1
Kiersten Orton 1
Mariah Duke 1
totals: 12

Next up: Metro Stars Black vs Team WI Select Samuels

Bison Win Tournament

#1 posting 6.17.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

TOURNAMENT RESULTS
NE Bison and NE Judds Cornhusker Shooting Stars teams had successful weekends.

The NE Bison CSS 17U team played for the first time since finishing 4-1 and the Deep South Classic in Raleigh, NC. They finished 6-0 including a 60-35 win over the Omaha Crusaders 17U team (that finished 4-1 at USJN Chicago Windy City in April) to end the tournament. KK Houser and Marissa Kastanek of Lincoln Southeast each had 17 in the finals for the Bison. (from the Omaha World Herald.

The NE Judds CSS 15U team played for the first time since finishing 3-2 and in 4th place of the 15U division of the Deep South Classic. They finished 5-1 playing in the 17U division, They defeated the Omaha Crusaders 16’s 38-33 to end the weekend.

The teams will play in 7 tournaments over the next 5 ½ weeks including Ames, IA Midwest Classic next weekend.

Results are below from Lincoln, NE MAYB June 13th-15th 2008 HS Elite Division.

Also the CSS 13U team won the 14U championship over the Omaha Sparks.

N NE Judds CSS 15’s 76- SF Wildcats 27
NE Bison CSS 17’s 62- Omaha Select 17
NE Judds CSS 15’s 52- Crusaders 15’s 20
NE Bison CSS 54- Sioux Falls Wildcats 17
NE Judds CSS 15’s 74- Omaha Select 10
NE Judds CSS 15’s 47- CSS Regional 15’s 23
NE Bison CSS 62- Crusaders 15’s 18
NE Bison CSS 56- NE High 5 20
Omaha Crusaders 17’s 57- NE Judds CSS 15’s 45
NE Bison CSS 17’s 51- Omaha Crusaders 16’s 18
NE Judds CSS 15’s 38- Omaha Crusaders 16’s 33
NE Bison CSS 60- Omaha Crusaders 17’s 35

SIGNING
Kim Mestdagh of Belgium has signed with Colorado State. She is a 5-10 guard.

COACHING
Mahogney Green has been hired as an assistant women's basketball coach at Central Michigan. Green has been an assistant at Eastern Michigan.

Karl Dollhopf will be the new Gladstone, MI girls basketball coach pending board approval. From the Escanaba Daily Press.

ATTENDANCE
Iowa State finished 4th in attendance this past year.

HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENTS
The East Region tournament in North Dakota is moving from Fargo to Grand Forks. From the Fargo Forum.

AAU--BOYS?
Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball coach Jeff Buffetta coaches a boys team High Impact and that squad is headed to AAU Nationals. From the International Falls Daily Journal.

FLOODS
The Iowa floods have damaged Des Moines North. From the Des Moines Register.

Next up: later today with two out & abouts: North Tartan 15 vs All Iowa Attack and Metro Stars Black vs Team WI Select Samuels.

Out & About: Fury 16/Iowa Elite

#5 posting 6.16.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

this game took place on Saturday, June 14, 2008
Summer Jam 16u Sweet 16 round
Bloomington Jefferson
MN FURY 16s 63, IOWA ELITE 57

MN Fury jumped to a 13-0, saw the lead evaporate, then inflate again before a late rally by Iowa Elite fell short 63-57.

The first half could be divided into three different parts. In part one Emily Kaus dominated inside early with six straight points as the Fury went up 13-0. Iowa Elite tried to stop the momentum with a time out at 6-0. IE failed to score on their first 10 possessions. In part two IE found the bottom of the basket they rattled off eight straight scores. They cut the deficit to 23-18 with a 18-10 run. The Fury controlled part three with an 18-5 run. IE had another drought with seven possessions empty. IE called a time out with one second left. That set up a mid court three by Sam Rinehart. The Fury led at half 41-23. The Fury also had 18 points on second chancers in the first half, the exact margin at the break.

The second half was divided into three parts. In part one the Fury kept adding to their lead stretching it out to 54-33. IE had another drought, this time 8 possessions. On the flip side IE put up a furious rally with a 24-9 finish. All this despite having two players foul out. Ali Browning had 8 points in the IE run. The final was the closest IE got in the second half.

Photos: #1 Sam Rinehart prepares to shoot in the lane with Kailyn Wilcox defending. #2. Kika Greenlee flies through the lane with Rinehart and Chanda Goedken defending. photos by kja

key: player, school, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
MN FURY 16
STARTERS
Emily Kaus, Eastview 10, 8, 125.0, .625 post--five; dominated early inside. has good hands and keeps the ball high. IE didn't have the size to match up. Takes away angles. Is a wall on defense inside. intimidates. needs to increase stamina, and wind. needs to keep sitting down and making a big target for her passers. only two possessions in the second half.
Kate Constable, Minnetonka 2, 4, 50.0, .250 point guard. led the team with assists.
Keely Brennan, Eden Prairie 4, 6, 66.7, .333 perimeter. lefty. scored in transition.
Sarah Peterson, Minnehaha 4, 8, 50.0, .375 jumps center. active on the defensive boards. on offense needs to sharpen passing skills.
Tiffany Van Haaften, Chaska 9, 10, 90.0, .400 also ran point. has 3 range.
BENCH
Michelle Tobin, Eden Prairie 12, 10, 120.0, .700 post. knows how to draw a foul. went to the line five times with 8 points coming at the line.
Kika Greenlee, St. Louis Park 16, 17, 94.1, .471 guard. did make a couple of 3s in the first half. Has speed. acrobatic. active defensively.
Kailyn Wilcox, Cretin-Derham Hall 6, 6, 100.0, .500 tweener. more 4ish. scored on second chancers.

IOWA ELITE
STARTERS
Ali Browning, Iowa City Regina 14, 15, 93.3, .467 post player. jumps center, physical.
Sam Rinehart, Marion 5, 11, 45.5, .182 had to defend against the Fury posts. was getting frustrated with the calls or no calls depending on the situation. Made the mid court 3 at half time.
Paige Goetz, Anamosa 6, 10, 60.0, .300 guard. lean, can score behind the arc. also scores off the dribble. able to get to the heart of the lane on the drive.
Morgan Paige, Marion 11, 11, 100.0, .455 guard. decent speed. lefty. can score when hit. keeps balance and the ball. has 3 range.
Ali Daly, Western Dubuque 2, 6, 33.3, .167 needs to improve passing/decision making.
BENCH
Chanda Goedken, Cascade 8, 7, 114.3, .571 scored in transition. can also score when hit.
Kristin Fomon, Iowa City West 11, 10, 110.0, .400 three point shooter. made three 3s on the night.

TRENCH PLAYER
Emily Kaus, initial surge the difference

BY THE NUMBERS
Fury 63, 69, 91.3, .478
Iowa Elite 57, 70, 81.4, .371
made 3s/& 1s: Fury 3/0; IE 5/1
ftm/fta-ft%: Fury 14/20-.700; IE 9/16-.563
bench: Fury 34, IE 19

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
MN FURY
Sarah Peterson 8
Emily Kaus 6.5
Kika Greenlee 6
Tiffany Van Haaften 5.5
Kate Constable 4
Keely Brennan 4
Michelle Tobin 2
totals: 36

IOWA ELITE
Ali Browning 6
Sam Rinehart 6
Morgan Paige 6
Chanda Goedken 6
Paige Goetz 3
Kristin Fomon 3
Ali Daly 1
totals:

ASSISTS
MN FURY
Kate Constable 5
Keely Brennan 4
Tiffany Van Haaften 3
Kika Greenlee 3
Emily Kaus 2
Sarah Peterson 2
Michelle Tobin 1
totals: 20

IOWA ELITE
Chanda Goedken 4
Kristin Fomon 3
Paige Goetz 3
Ali Daly 3
Sam Rinehart 2
Ali Browning 1
Morgan Paige 1
totals: 17

next up: tomorrow morning

Out & About: IBCA Select Red/MN Stars Eckmann

#4 posting 6.16.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

this game took place on Saturday, June 14, 2008
Summer Jam Tournament
16/17 division
Bloomington Jefferson
IBCA SELECT RED 52, MN STARS ECKMANN 41

IBCA beat MN Stars Eckmann in the 16u round of 32 52-41. In the games I charted with IBCA before this tournament they were hitting 105 pp100. In this game the pp100 was 78.8. However this is the first tournament they played since the end of March and the rust showed. One area the rust didn't show was the IBCA defense. They only allowed 9 first half points and 8 total two point field goals all game.

MSE started the scoring first with a reverse lay up on a second chancer by Kellie Ring. The game was tied at 5 when both teams sunk into the deep freeze. IBCA had nine empty trips while MSE had six. IBCA burned a time out when the trailed at 7-5. The last MSE basket of the first half came with nine minutes left. That was also their last lead at 9-7. After that it was all IBCA. MSE suffered through a drought of biblical proportions with 19 dry possessions. Tack on two to star the second half and the grand total was 21. MSE had seven straight turnovers in the early drought stages. IBCA made use of the down time by going on a 16-0 run the rest of the half. IBCA led 23-9 at the break.

With such a deep hole MSE had a lot of catching up to do. After failing to score on their first two possessions MSE's offense awoke from their slumber. They went on a 17-6 run to close the margin to 31-26 with nine minutes left. MSE was 8/12 in that offensive sequence. It was IBCA's turn to struggle offensively. They had a 2/10 offensive sequence with three turnovers in the mix. The game hung in the 7 to 9 margin the rest of the way for the most part. MSE did close to 36-30 after a three by Alisa Brown. In the last three minutes IBCA found their groove again with a 5/6 sequence. IBCA stretched their lead to 52-38 just before Ring nailed a three as time expired for the final 52-41 margin.

photos: #1. Katelyn Sunde gets down anticipating an inbounds pass. #2 Jamie Printy goes up with her left hand as Abby Busch trails. photos by kja.

key: player, school, points, possessions. pp100, floor %
IBCA SELECT RED
STARTERS
Jess McDowell, AGWSR 4, 5, 80.0, .600 post--four type. got called on a couple of traveling calls. needs to become stronger on her finish.
Riley Norman, Des Moines Roosevelt 6, 10, 60.0, .300 forward. long wing span. plays the top of the 1/3/1 trapping defense. will shoot the 3. scored in transition
Katelyn Sunde, Johnston 11, 7, 157.1, .571 3 point shooter. knocked down three on the night. defensively gets low.
Jaime Printy, Linn-Mar 6, 6, 100.0, .500 guard. all her points came off steals and lay ups. good wing span.
Kionna Kellogg, Ames 1, 3, 33.3, .333 post--four type. offensively was out of the flow.
BENCH
Katie Gustafson, South Hamilton 3, 6, 50.0., .167 shooting guard. the Sunde of wave 2.
Katie Schechinger, IKM 3, 7, 42.9, .286 a tweener. has mobility to play on the perimeter. could be a 3.
Trisha Nesbitt, Ames 0, 5, 0.0, .000 point guard. is aware and alert, shot didn't drop. looks to score of the drive.
Amber Kirschbaum, Spirit Lake 8, 9, 88.9, .444 post--four type. is active on the offensive boards. has hang time and good ups.
Brittany Peterson, Spencer 10, 8, 125.0, .625 guard. gets into the thick of battle. went to the line five times. will attempt the 3. scored off the dribble.

MN STARS ECKMANN
STARTERS
Kellie Ring, Somerset, WI 12, 16, 75.0, .313 point guard. needs to improve her passing against the full court pressure.
Page Beck, Sioux Falls Roosevelt, SD 9, 9, 100.0, .556 post--a five type. needs to improve mobility and jumping.
Alisa Brown, Sioux Falls O'Gorman, SD 17, 18, 94.4, .389 guard. 3 point shooter, made four on the day. took a charge.
Abby Busch, GFW 0, 11, 0.0. .000 "3" rough day shooting. Shots were off the back rim indicating a drop in the shooting hand.
Ashley Matson, Big Lake 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000 post---four type
BENCH
Valerie Sahr, USC 1, 4, 25.0, .250 post needs to keep improve ball handling. keep elbows tighter.
Jamie Birr, Holy Angels 0, 3, 0.0, .000 post. Needs to be stronger with the ball. exposed ball
Kelsie Ammann, Lakeville North 0, 5, 0.0, .000 shooting guard. needs to get her passes sharper, quicker.

TRENCH PLAYER
Brittany Peterson

BY THE NUMBERS
IBCA Select Red 52, 66, 78.8, .394
MN Stars Eckmann 41, 67, 61.2, .284
made 3s/&1s: IBCA 4/0; MSE 6/0
ftm/fta-ft%: IBCA 12/24; MSE 7/15-.467
bench: IBCA 24, MSE 1

MSE had 17 turnovers in the first half, and 25 total for the game. IBCA had 14 turnovers.

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
IBCA SELECT RED
Brittany Peterson 7
Katie Schechinger 6.5
Riley Norman 6
Jess McDowell 6
Jaime Printy 5
Amber Kirschbaum 4
Trisha Nesbitt 3
Kionna Kellogg 3
Katie Gustafson 2.5
Katelyn Sunde 2
totals: 45

MN STARS ECKMANN
Kellie Ring 6
Abby Busch 6
Ashley Matson 6
Alisa Brown 5
Page Beck 3
Valerie Sahr 2
Kelsie Ammann 2
Jamie Birr 1
totals: 31

ASSISTS
IBCA SELECT RED
Jaime Printy 4
Riley Norman 2
Katie Gustafson 2
Trisha Nesbitt 2
Brittany Peterson 2
Katelyn Sunde 1
Katie Schechinger 1
Amber Kirschbaum 1
totals: 15

MN STARS ECKMANN
Kellie Ring 7
Abby Busch 4
Alisa Brown 3
Page Beck 2
Kelie Ammann 1
totals: 17

Next up: MN Fury 16 vs Iowa Elite

Harder Resigns

#3 posting 6.16.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

HARDER RESIGNS
Rosemount girls basketball coach Chris Harder has resigned. Harder had been the Irish coach the past five years.
This is the 32nd coaching switch in Minnesota, 10th in AAAA, and 4th in the Lake Conference, the biggest in the state. Chaska and Lakeville South have filled their spots while Apple Valley and Rosemount are now open.

Next up: IBCA Select Red vs MN Stars Eckmann

Out & About: Metro Stars 15s/IBCA Select Blue

#2 posting 6.16.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

this game took place Saturday, June 14, 2008
Summer Jam 15u Division
Bloomington Jefferson
METRO STARS 63, IBCA SELECT BLUE 36

The Metro Stars did not have a problem beating the younger and smaller IBCA 14 team 63-36. On top of that this was the first tournament experience for IBCA Select since March.

The Stars led 7-0 after their first four possessions. That prompted a time out by IBCA. They did score on their next possession. That started the best stretch for IBCA where they had a 7-6 advantage to close to 13-7. IBCA had to use their second time out at 14-7 due to the back court pressure applied by the Stars. An 8 possession drought stopped what little momentum IBCA had started. The Stars didn't really seize advantage at that stage either only adding four points. The Stars kept adding to their margin and led 32-17 at half time. Haley Thomforde had 9 at the break for the Stars, while Taylor Shull had all 8 of her points in the first half to lead IBCA.

IBCA had another severe drought in the second half, this time 11 empty trips. The Stars led at that point 42-18. The Stars were headed in the opposite direction with six straight scoring trips. That pushed the score to 51-24 with about 7 minutes left and the margin remained the same the rest of the way.

photos: #1 Brooke Brown is fouled on the way in for a lay up. #2. Aimee Osborne shoots over Rachel Leitz for IBCA. photos by kja

key: player, school, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
METRO STARS
STARTERS
Hana Potter, Hopkins 5, 5, 100.0, .200 post player. had the height and muscle advantage inside. opened scoring with an &1 play.
Grace Veker, Edina 6, 7, 85.7, .429 bigger guard
Brooke Brown, Chaska 13, 13, 100.0, .538 point guard, went to the line four times. looks to drive
Rachel Leitz, Champlin Park 4, 5, 80.0, .400 perimeter, can score when hit.
Haley Thomforde, Eastview 13, 8, 162.5, .750 guard. moves without the ball. has 3 range.
BENCH
Ellen Edison, Maple Grove 7, 9, 77.8, .333 guard. has 3 range. runs the floor
Erica Gress, Apple Valley 8, 10, 80.0, .400 post. does a lot of scoring on second chancers. uses her body and position well.
Jean Theis, Shakopee 0, 2, 0.0, .000 post. needs to get meaner and get into the fray.
Taylor Cullers, Eastview 6, 5, 120.0, .600 guard scored off the jumper and transition
Julia Wiemer, Hopkins 1, 4, 25.0, .250 guard

IBCA SELECT BLUE 14
STARTERS
Al Oney, Cedar Rapids Washington 4, 7, 57.1, .286 guard, scrapper, scored in transition and off the dribble.
Whitney Van Wyk, Southeast Polk 2, 9, 22.2, .111 point guard. needs to improve ball handling/decision making against pressure
Jessie Pauley, Battle Creek-Ida Grove 3, 6, 50.0, .333 needs to improve ball handling vs pressure defense.
Ashley Zobel, Battle Creek-Ida Grove 0, 7, 0.0, .000 guard, 3 point shot not dropping
Aimee Osborne, Sidney 6, 4, 150.0, .750 post. didn't score until the second half. has decent jumping ability
BENCH
Amber Paden, North Iowa 3, 4, 75.0, .500 post
Taylor Shull, Mt. Pleasant 8, 9, 88.9, .333 guard. provided half the offense in the first half. has 3 range with two made in the game.
Danielle Herdliska, Solon 4, 7, 57.1, .286 point guard needs to dribble with head up vs pressure and avoid the sidelines. needs to avoid the spin. needs to keep the ball tighter.
Mckenzie Piper, Keokuk 6, 11, 54.5, .364 went to the line five times.
Liz Skotowski, Mt. Vernon 0, 5, 0.0, .000

TRENCH PLAYER
Haley Thomforde

BY THE NUMBERS
Metro Stars 63, 68, 92.6, .441
IBCA Select 36, 69, 52.2, .261
made 3s/&1s: MS 2/1; IBCA 3/0
ftm/fta-ft%: MS 15/24-.625; IBCA 11/22-.500
bench: MS 22, IBCA 21

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
METRO STARS
Hana Potter 7
Erica Gress 7
Brooke Brown 4
Julia Wiemer 3
Jean Theis 3
Grace Veker 2
Hayley Thomforde 2
Rachel Leitz 1
Taylor Cullers 1
Ellen Edison 1
totals: 31

IBCA SELECT
Amber Paden 5
Aimee Osborne 4
Jessie Pauley 3.5
Ashley Zobel 3.5
Danielle Herdliska 3
Al Oney 2
Whiney Van Wyk 2
Taylor Shull 1
Mckenzie Piper 1
Liz Skotowski 1
totals: 26

ASSISTS
METRO STARS
Brooke Brown 4
Rachel Leitz 4
Haley Thomforde 4
Julia Wiemer 3
Grace Veker 3
Hana Potter 3
Ellen Edison 1
Erica Gress 1
Taylor Cullers 1
Jean Theis 1
totals: 25

IBCA SELECT
Danielle Herdliska 5
Taylor Shull 3
Ashley Zobel 2
Al Oney 1
Whitney Van Wyk 1
Amber Paden 1
Liz Skotowski 1
totals: 14

Next up: IBCA Select 16 Red vs MN Stars Eckmann

Weekend Recaps, Dalhed Moves

#1 posting 6.16.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Lynn Dalhed is the new Lakeville South girls basketball head coach according to sources. She was the coach the last two years at Apple Valley.

WEEKEND RECAPS
FURY SUMMER JAM 15 CHAMPS
The Minnesota Fury 15U team put together their best weekend of basketball this season with an impressive 4-0 record winning the Minnesota Summer Jam. They defeated Southern Minne Magic, Prime time Players, Minnesota Stars-Carlisle, and All-Iowa Attack to win the tournament.

In the opening round they defeated the Southern Minne Magic 51-18. Lisa Loeffler (North St. Paul) led the way with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Shannon O'Toole (Wayzata) also added 8 points and 7 rebounds in the win.

In the second round the Fury defeated PT Players 64-36. Morgan Zabel(Northfield) led the way with 14 points, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 4 rebounds. Meanwhile, Carly Chell (Apple Valley) chipped in with 8 points and 8 rebounds.

The Fury met Minnesota Stars Carlisle in the semifinals on Sunday morning and again played well. Darcey Rice (Eastview) stepped up with 11 points including three 3-point shots. The balanced attack also included 11 points and 6rebounds from Zabel.

The championship was played with great intensity and the Fury and All Iowa Attack battled from beginning to end. (AIA beat the Fury 44-41 at Battle on the Hardwood in an intense match-up last meeting.) Zabel put up 13 points and 10 rebounds while dishing out 5 assists. She helped spearhead the Fury comeback when she scored 10 unanswered points to tie the game. Meanwhile, Tessa Cichy (Hill-Murray) played another fabulous game (despite playing with a broken toe and bad ankle). She dropped in 10 points and 10 rebounds. Darcey Rice broke a 46-46 tie with 1:48 to go when she hit a 15-foot jump shot to give the Fury the lead and eventual win.

INNER CITY ALL STAR GAME
The final score was 56-48 Team Faith over Team Unity. Alex Moore from Johnson was the MVP and Brittnye McSparron was the 3 point Champion. Team Faith was coached by Angel Robinson and her father John, and Team Unity was Coached by Charlita Williamson from Edison and Jimmy Rogers, South Assistant.

BREAKDOWN ROCHESTER
Here is the Breakdown Rochester Results
Grand Meadow 50, Winona Cotter 33
Rushford Peterson 32, Stewartville 29
Winona Cotter 55, Albert Lea 25
Grand Meadow 42, Rushford-Peterson 34
Grand Meadow 48, Albert Lea 31
Stewartville 37, Cotter 32
Rushford Peterson 43, Albert Lea 25
Grand Meadow 45, Stewartville 28
Winona Cotter 39, Rushford Peterson 28
Stewartville 39, Albert Lea 34
Records
Grand Meadow (4-0)
Winona Cotter (2-2)
Stewartville (2-2)
Rushford Peterson (2-2)
Albert Lea (0-4)
Tourney Champion: Grand Meadow

DULUTH EAST WINS BARNUM TOURNAMENT
Duluth East won the Barnum tournament this weekend. Bigfork finished second. They beat the hosts 44-43 in the first round and Nashwauk-Keewatin in the semis before facing DE in the finals. Here is Basketball in Bigfork with a recap of the event.

WANTED
The Metro Stars 15U team is in need of a 6'+ post to join the team and travel to elite exposure events in Oregon and Chicago. High level college exposure. If interested please contact Metro Stars program director Andy Meinhardt at andymeinhardt@hotmail.com

ANALYZING THE WNBA
The Wages of Wins looks at the WNBA with Efficiency Differential and other stat models. They also look at the numbers and how they match up with the NBA.

Next up: Later today with three out & abouts from the Summer Jam

Summer Jam Winners

#2 posting 6.15.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

NORTH TARTAN LARSON TAKES SUMMER JAM
North Tartan Larson took the Summer Jam title this afternoon with a 70-48 win over a short handed and exhausted MN Stars Borowicz. Amanda Zimmerman had 20 points, all in the first half as NTL raced to a 39-21 lead at half. In the early going it was 15-1 NTL. Zimmerman at one point scored 11 straight for NTL. MSB had a couple players go down with injuries in the game. Cassie Rochel hurt her ankle in the first half and didn't return. Rachelle Eckmann also was injured, but returned to action.

That was the fourth contest I saw on the day, and the game that was over fairly quickly.
In game one it was MN Stars Borowicz beating Metro Stars Black 58-35. This game was only two point differential (Borowicz 24-22) at half. An 11 possession drought dried up any Black chances of victory. Borowicz led 41-24 when Black scored again. By that time the game only had 7 minutes left and Black used up their comebacks in the Team WI Select Samuels game the night before.

In game two it was youth vs veterans and the youth rallied from 14 down to upset the vets 51-49. North Tartan 15 trailed 36-22 early in the second half. Metro Stars 19s led 39-26 with 11 minutes remaining. That is when Courtney Boylan, Miss Basketball 2008, sat down. MS didn't score for 7 straight possessions and NT15 scored 8 unanswered points. NT15 didn't take their first lead of the second half until a three by Sari Noga 47-45. Adrea Holler tied it with two free throws. Gabby Boever hit a jumper for a 49-47 NT15 lead with one minute left. MS19 had two chances to pull even but missed the free throws and also missed the lay up. NT15 cashed in two more free throws with Katy Winge to go up 51-47. Boylan hit a jumper to finish the scoring. Youth was served.

That set the table for two outstanding semifinal games. Both were decided by one point. NTL beat IBCA Select 60-59. MN Stars Borowicz topped North Tartan 15s 59-58. Both went down to the last second. We were there for the entirety of the NTL game and caught the last few seconds of the MSB game.
NTL led 31-27 at the half, but there were six ties and nine (#9) lead changes AFTER the game was tied at 49 all. The ebb and flow, crispness, and aerial show was fitting of championship standards. Jennifer Dowd hit a three with 1:13 left to put NTL up 58-56. Two IBCA possessions later Trisha Nesbitt knocked down a three of her own to put IBCA up 59-58 with 12.4 seconds left. IBCA had fouls to give and did so. That whittled the clock down to 9.6. On the next play, Katie Loberg drove the lane and found Amanda Zimmerman with the game winner. Zimmerman had 19 in this contest. There was 1.7 seconds left when Nesbitt tried another 3, but the off balance shot was off and NTL moved to the final in a classic.

In the MS Borowicz/NT 15 game it came down to two free throws as Ameshia Kearney drove the lane with less than two seconds left. She missed both and Amber Dvorak got the rebound preserving the MSB win and they moved on to face NTL.

The tournament brackets aren't updated with today's winners yet, but the 15 title went to MN Fury in a 51-46 win over All Iowa Attack, and in the 14 division it was NT 14 beating their younger NT 13 sisters, score unknown.

I will have the following game reports up during the week:
Monday
Metro Stars 15/IBCA 14
IBCA Select Red vs MN Stars Eckmann
Fury 16 vs Iowa Elite
Tuesday
North Tartan 15 vs All Iowa Attack 16
Metro Stars Black vs Team WI Select Samuels
Wednesday
MN Stars Borowicz vs Metro Stars Black
North Tartan 15 vs Metro Stars 19s
Thursday
North Tartan Larson vs IBCA Select Red
North Tartan Larson vs MN Stars Borowicz

Next up: tomorrow morning

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Summer Jam, Grand Rapids Breakdown, All Star Results

#1 posting 6.15.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

MORE SUMMER JAM
The summer jam wraps up today at Bloomington Jefferson.
Here are a few other notes from yesterday....Laura Weber made the game winner for Metro Stars 19 as they beat MN Stars Smith. Metro Stars 19 plays North Tartan 15s today.
Today I will be sporting the back to back Ellsworth championship t-shirt. The boys coaches delivered the goods yesterday. Coach Kellen and Becker coach the Minnesota Lakers girls AAU team.
The Ellsworth boys coach Markus Okeson has moved on to Redwood Valley.

BREAKDOWN SUMMER SHOWCASE
Grand Rapids won the Summer tournament in Grand Rapids yesterday beating Braham. Here are the game by game results
Round 1 Results
Braham 33, Cook 29
Sebeka 28, Hibbing 19
Hibbing II 38, Esko 25
Grand Rapids 41, Lake of the Woods, 20
Consolation Semi's
Cook 37, Hibbing 21
Esko 34, Lake of the Woods 28
Semi-Finals
Braham 52, Sebeka 45
Grand Rapids, 35, Hibbing II 25
7th Place:
Hibbing 37, Lake of the Woods 29
5th Place:
Esko 36, Cook 31
3rd Place:
Sebeka 41, Hibbing II 38
1st Place:
Grand Rapids 42, Braham 33

END OF THE TRAIL
The Minnesota Metro Stars Black team has been awarded one of the prize slots in the Exhibition Game at the Nike End of the Trail Tournament in early July. The Metro Stars Black will play a yet to be named team in the 1:00 game on July 6th at Oregon City High School. The Metro Stars Black is the first team to be awarded a game for the 2008 event.

MINNEAPOLIS YWCA LEAGUE
The Minneapolis Y has their college women's basketball league starting Wednesday.

NORTH DAKOTA STATE TOURNAMENT
ND may flip the girls B state basketball tournament with the boys. Currently the boys finish the winter sports seasons. From the Grand Forks Herald.

ALL STAR RESULTS
Nebraska had a couple of All Star events yesterday. The East beat the West 69-55 in the Nebraska Black Sports Hall of Fame girls basketball game at Omaha North. Raven Adams had 22 points for the East.
South Dakota beat the Nebraska All Stars 97-88 at Mount Marty in Yankton. Katie Birkel of Lincoln Southeast (and future North Dakota State player) had 31 to lead both teams and was named MVP for the Nebraska squad. SD had balance with seven players in double digits. Whitney Licktieg was named overall MVP with 13 for SD.
From the Omaha World-Herald and Rapid City Journal.

Today the Inner City All Star Classic takes place at St. Paul Arlington at 3 pm.

NORTH CENTRAL HISTORY
The Sioux Falls Argus Leader has a history lesson on the 87 year old North Central conference. Did you know St. Thomas was a charter member? Plus the SFAL also has a NCC fact list.

HALL OF FAME
Former Lynx coach and Penn State player Suzie McConnell-Serio was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame yesterday in Knoxville.

LYNX LOSE IN NEW YORK
The Lynx lost to the New York Liberty 77-76. From the StarTribune. Newsday credits Essence Carson with the game saving defensive play.
Lynx player Nicky Anisoke is making the transition to the pro game and the Staten Island Advance features the home town player.

Next up: Later today with a recap of the Summer Jam finals.

Summer Jam Saturday

#3 posting 6.14.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

SUMMER JAM SATURDAY RESULTS
Today I traveled down to Bloomington Jefferson for the Summer Jam tournament, the first tournament in the area with top flight teams from multiple states. The theme of the day was Minnesota vs other states. Minnesota ended up 4-1 in those contests.

I started off with the 15 tournament. The Minnesota Metro Stars beat IBCA's 14 team 63-36. The Metro Stars jumped off to a 7-0 lead and weren't really pushed. It was 32-17 at half time.

The rest of the day was spent with the 16u brackets
Game two featured another IBCA squad--IBCA Red. They beat MN Stars Eckman for the only Non Minnesota win on the day. IBCA led 23-9 at half time. MSE closed to 36-30 in the second half before IBCA pulled away again. This is IBCA's first tournament since March.

Next up the Fury beat Iowa Elite 63-57. This game was a story of fast starts and fast finishes. The Fury led early 13-0. Iowa Elite closed to 23-18 in the first half before the Fury reasserted themselves 41-23 at the half. In the second half the Fury stretched their lead to 54-33. IE again closed the gap, but were only down to four players late in the game due to fouls. IE finished with a 24-9 run.

I then shifted one court over and North Tartan 15 had already started their contest against All Iowa Attack. It was 11-5 when I arrived on the scene. NT15, the team of the week two weeks ago, was well oiled as they led 36-19 at half time. The really were firing on all cylinders in the second half. They scored on nine straight possessions and won 77-42.

The last battle featured Team WI Select Samuels, a three time team of the week winner this summer. They faced Metro Stars Black. And Black rallied from 10 down to win 43-40. The sidelines were crammed with fans and college coaches for this epic struggle. It should be noted that MSB was missing Kara Elofson, out with an injury, and TWSS was missing Sam Hoyt, off at a camp at Central Michigan, and Heather Kessler. They did pick up a few players from Team WI Select Doucette including Anna Cole.
TWSS led 20-9 early in the first half as every possession was contested all night. MSB finished with an 11-2 run to lead 22-14 at the half.
TWSS led 35-25 with slightly more than 5 minutes left. MSB finished with a 8/10 scoring sequence and tied it up at 40. MSB used balance with three different players knocking down shots from behind the arc. Tina Fisher scored what proved to be the game winner with a hook over the outstretched hand of Nicole Griffin with under a minute to go. TWSS finished with a 1/6 sequence as the defense ruled for MSB.

That sets up a very interesting Sunday. In the 16 brackets IBCA, the only non Minnesota team left, will play North Tartan Crosby; the Fury takes on North Tartan Larson; Metro Stars Black faces another MSB team MN Stars Borowicz; and youth vs veterans is the theme of the last quarterfinal game with North Tartan 15 vs Metro Stars 19s. All those games start at 9 am with the vets vs rookies at 10:10.
In the 15s the semis are---All Iowa Attack vs Metro Stars; and Fury vs MN Stars Carlisle
In the 14s the semis are---MN Stars Seter vs North Tartan 14; and North Tartan 13 vs Metro Stars.

The action should be intense. The finals are at 2:50 for all divisions.

Next up: tomorrow

End of North Central, Basketball & Practice Lessons

#2 posting 6.14.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

RIP: NORTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE
After 86 years the North Central Conference is closing shop. The memories and mementos will be shipped in boxes to the University of South Dakota. From the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

BASKETBALL LESSONS
Mark Campbell, head women's basketball coach at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee is a former player of Northern State men's basketball coach Don Meyer. Campbell has won two NAIA titles.
Campbell visited Meyer and Aberdeen this past week. Here is one of the lessons Campbell learned from Meyer "Basketball is ultimately not very important unless you use it for life."

PRACTICE & WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
Derek Martin of the Crookston Times writes about the regret he feels because he didn't practice enough in his youth. No one wants a "I told you so" moment.

Next up: later today with the Summer Jam results

Young Redshirt Year, Smith Posts Up

#1 posting 6.14.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

YOUNG'S REDSHIRT LEARNING
Jill Young, the leading scorer in South Dakota history, learned a lot during her redshirt year at South Dakota State. From the Mitchell Republic.

SMITH POSTS UP
Illinois' center Jenna Smith (of Bloomington Kennedy) starts a series of blog postings called "posting up."

ALL STAR GAME
The Yankton Press & Dakotan looks at today's South Dakota-Nebraska All-Star basketball game at Mount Marty College. Nicole Brungardt of Norfolk Catholic, Nebraska gets the spotlight today.

ATTENDANCE
The Big 12 led the nation in women's basketball attendance last season.

FLOODING
For those that have been living under a rock, there are epic floods down in Iowa along the Cedar River. To all our readers down in the flood zone our thoughts & prayers go out to you and your situation. Here is hoping for some drier times coming.

SUMMER JAM
Today the Summer Jam opens up at Bloomington Jefferson. The action should be interesting with 32 team vying for the 16/17u title.

next up: later today with a report from the Summer Jam.

The Summer Week That Was #11: Early Bird Still Late

#3 posting 6.13.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

THE WEEK THAT WAS #11: Early Bird Still Late
The Early bird catches the worm, but if you go to MYAS events the Early bird will not catch the first seven minutes of action. I arrived twice to Delano last week 10 minutes early, and both times the game I was going to chart was already in progress. Why? Apparently everyone wants to move things along and not spend another second in the gym.

I also have another complaint about the tournament, and with most every tournament—I am tired of watching every kid and their siblings run on to the court and start shooting on dead balls, timeouts, halftime. “but these children are practicing and trying to get better.” No, not really. They are chucking the ball up there. They are like a concert pianist getting ready for the concert by banging their elbows on the keyboards. It mars the game and I wish refs, or tournament directors would crack down on these “players” marring the game. Let’s have a little respect for the contest at hand.
I will say I did see some refs shoo away “players” at the Battle of the Hardwood. No wonder I thought that was a well run tournament.

SUMMER LEAGUE NUMBER CRUNCHING
Summer Leagues are upon us now and how do their numbers compare? Quite well thanks to rule modifications. Can you say grade inflation? With the nature of summer games as they are most are on running time. If there are a lot of whistles and free throws, that will limit possessions. Limiting possessions, limits playing time and touches, defeating the whole purpose of summer leagues—giving players a chance to improve fundamentals and leadership skills.
Not every summer league is alike. Concordia St. Paul gives one point on a non shooting foul and two on a shooting foul the first 13 minutes of their game. That has bumped up pp100s and floor %. Buyer beware.
Event, pp100, floor %
All Summer League 08 95.75, .412
Concordia St. Paul SL only 08 101.39, .422
AAU 17u games 81.6, .385
Overall summer 08 81.4, .384
If you have summer league results or news, go to my profile and email me.

PHOTO NEWS
This week I bought a new lens for the camera. It is a 2.8 70-200 Cannon lens. I was using a 5.6 previously. That means more light can get in and the shots will look better (I hope). Also I am in the process of setting up a photo “store” if anyone is interested in purchasing photos. I hope to have that done in the next few days.

WEEK AHEAD
This is the first weekend without proms, spring tournaments, and graduations getting in the way. This is the first weekend where teams from across the upper Midwest will battle and the venue will be the Summer Jam at Bloomington Jefferson. The #1 teams in Iowa, and Wisconsin will be there. The format is a 32 team bracket down to one, a mini NCAA bracket. Teams ranked #3-#13 in the 17u division will be there along with two of the top three teams in the 15u division.
Interesting match ups—provided everyone wins
Sweet 16 round
7:30 Saturday night—Metro Stars Black vs Team WI Select Samuels
Quarterfinal round
9 am Sunday morning—The above winner vs MN Stars Borowicz
9 am Sunday morning---North Tartan 15u vs Metro Stars 19u
The semis should be both power packed (12:30 pm) and the finals are at 2:50 pm.
No matter what way you turn on Sunday you will run into quality games. Someone told me they wished they could Tivo a game to see all the good match ups.
This tournament will also feature four of the teams of the week (Team WI Select Samuels has won the honor three times); Three players of the week (TWSS Laura Petersen has won it twice); and four defensive players of the week (Nicole Griffin has won it three times);

TEAM OF THE WEEK
MN Suns Fassett had one contest at the Delano MYAS event that was close, a five point win over Dynamite, but the other games were convincing routes. The Suns put out the Northern Lights 61-26 and halted the Comets 43-27. In both those games I charted the Suns had a regular rotation of their 11 players and everyone contributed. In fact the numbers were so consistent and even, they only had one player that was able to crack into the player of the week category. That is balance.

Back row: Jamie Noonan, Scotti Moats, Jessica Fife, Kylie Gottsman, Hannah Hylla, Coach Fassett

Kneeling: Katie Pettit; Becca Kendrick; Rhodeshia Robinson, Jasmine Mendes, Karen Gogins

On the floor: Pam January; Photo by kja

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
It was January in June. Pam January is the lone representative of the Suns and she shined this week. January put a chill on the opposition with her offensive board work, her pull up jumper and her assertive play to the glass. She is a strong perimeter type that can mix it up inside.

To make the teams remember the rules:#1. I need to see the player during the week#2. Player needs to have 6+ possessions#3. Player needs to be over 100 pp100#4. Player needs to be over .500 floor %#5. If I see a player in two games the numbers are added up and the average used. Some players didn't make the cut due to the 6 possession rule. Some had great numbers, but only five or four possessions.
If you notice only one MSF player made the top teams. That is due to # of possessions. Some missed the cut with only 8 total possessions in two games
FIRST TEAM
Taylor Bare, Triple Threat (Anoka)
Jolene Blood, Irondale
Ashley Ebner, Tartan
Pam January, MN Suns Fassett (Richfield)
Rachel Regnier, White Bear Lake
SECOND TEAM
Hannah Iaizzo, White Bear Lake
Carly Jensen, White Bear Lake
Nicole Schwantes, Tartan
Amy Waterman, Triple Threat
Carissa Wolyniec, DeLaSalle
THIRD TEAM
Melissa Aalund, Irondale
Madison Delmarter, Triple Threat
Erin Green, Fridley
Jamelia Hudnell, DeLaSalle
Brianna Williams, Hopkins

DEFENSIVE PLAYER
Taylor Bare of Triple Threat had a double digit performance despite my early bird arrival. She crashes the defensive boards from the point guard position and pickpocketed Armstrong. She is aware of what is happening.

FIRST TEAM
Taylor Bare, Triple Threat (Anoka)
Autumn Buckli, Fridley
LoRel Christensen, Hurricanes (Springfield)
Hannah Hylla, MN Suns Fassett (Albany)
Tori Rule, DeLaSalle

DISTRIBUTOR OF THE WEEK
Taylor Bare of Triple Threat doubles up with this award. With nine assists she sees the floor and gets the ball to the right shooters.

NEWCOMER OF THE WEEK
Gracia Hutson of Hopkins barely played in the DeLaSalle game in the Lakeville North Summer League. But she caught our attention. She is 6-2 and just finished 8th grade. She has good feet and hands. She may be making an impact already next fall. She will be one to watch over the coming years.

PAST WINNERS
Here are the past weekly winners
TEAM
10. North Tartan 15s
9. Team WI Select Samuels (3)
8. Southern Minne Magic 17
7. NC Heat (2)
6. Team WI Select Samuels (2)
5. NC Heat
4. MN All Star 2A
3. Team WI Select Samuels
2. Minnesota Dynamite
1. IBCA Select Red

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
10. Tayler Hill, NC Heat (Minneapolis South) 2
9. Laura Petersen, Team WI Select Samuels (Osseo-Fairchild) (2)
8. Kiara Buford, Gym Rats 19 (St. Paul Central)
7. Tayler Hill, NC Heat (Minneapolis South)
6. Laura Petersen, Team WI Select Samuels (Osseo-Fairchild)
5. Megan Nipe, NC Heat (Centennial)
4. Brianna Mastey, MN All Star 3A, (Becker)
3. Sam Price, Team WI Select Samuels (Eau Claire North)
2. Haylie Darrington, Maroon South Central All Star (Blue Earth)
1. Trisha Nesbitt, IBCA Select Red (Ames)

DEFENDER OF THE WEEK
10. Katya Leick, NC Heat (Park-Cottage Grove)
9. Nicole Griffin, Team WI Select Samuels (Milwaukee Vincent) (3)
8. Yvonne Freese, Southern Minne Magic 17 (Lanesboro)
7. Shakila Boler, North Tartan Larson (Bloomington Kennedy)
6. Nicole Griffin, Team WI Select Samuels (Milwaukee Vincent) (2)
5. Tori Rule, Midtown Lady Monarchs (DeLaSalle)
4. Jackie Voigt, MN All Star 4A, (Park-Cottage Grove)
3. Nicole Griffin, Team WI Select Samuels (Milwaukee Vincent)
2. Kiara Strickland, Gold South Central All Star (Mpls Roosevelt)
1. Amber Kirschbaum, IBCA Select Red (Spirit Lake)

DISTRIBUTOR
10. Shakila Boler, North Tartan Larson & Bloomington Kennedy
9. Katie Wolff, Team WI Select Doucette (Marshfield) (2)
8. Seraene Levine, Minnesota Thunder 19 (Eden Prairie)
7. Tayler Hill, NC Heat (Minneapolis South)
6. Katie Wolff, Team WI Select Doucette (Marshfield)

NEWCOMER OF THE WEEK
10. Kim Campbell, Bloomington Kennedy
9. Corrin Miles, Fridley
8. Karli Meyer, Minnesota Lakers (Adrian)
7. Jackie Johnson, North Tartan 14 (Eden Prairie)
6. Cady Roedl, WI Hoops Select (Beaver Dam)
5. Alyssa Hagen, MN Stars Carlisle (NRHEG)
4. Hilary Friendshuh, Team WI Red 15s (Clear Lake, WI)
3. Jessica Waldvogel, Team Wisconsin Select 15s
2. Kara Hofschild, Minnesota Dynamite (Andover)
1. Kionna Kellogg, IBCA Select Red (Ames)

POLLS
After the Summer Jam, there will be movement.
19s
AAU
1. MN Stars
2. Metro Stars Black
3. Team WI Sr White
4. Team WI Sr Black
MYAS
1. Gym Rats
2. Minnesota Thunder
3. Wayzata AC
4. Southern Minne Magic

17u/16u/JR ELIGIBLE
AAU
1. NC Heat
2. Nebraska Bison
3. IBCA Select Red
4. MN Stars Hested/Borowicz
5. Team WI Select Samuels
6. Metro Stars Black
7. North Tartan Larson
8. North Tartan Crosby
9. MN Stars Smith
10. All Iowa Attack 17
11. Metro Stars White
12. MN Stars DeWitt
13. Fury
14. Team WI Select Doucette
15. Southern Minne Magic
16. MN Suns
17. Stangs
18. 43 Hoops Olson
19. 43 Hoops Zuck
20. Southern Stars
21. Comets
22. MN Stars Eckmann
23. Southern Minny Elite
24. X Factor
25. Finishers

16u/MYAS DIVISION
1. MN Dynamite
2. Chaska Gold
3. MN Thunder
4. Triple Threat

15u
AAU
1. North Tartan
2. Team WI Select
3. MN Suns Arbogast
4. Nebraska Judds
5. All Iowa Attack Red
6. MN Stars Jihad Lady Cats
7. MN Suns Ellen
8. Metro Stars
9. Fury
10. Team Iowa
11. 43 Hoops
12. MN Stars Carlisle
13. MN Dynamite
14. Southern Mini Magic
15. MN Gym Rats
16. MN Finishers

14u
AAU
1. IBCA Select Blue
2. North Tartan
3. Metro Stars
4. MN Stars Hested
5. Fury Livers
6. MN Stars Collins
7. Fury Haugen
8. Midtown Lady Monarchs
9. MN Suns
10. Southern MN Heat

13u
AAU
1. North Tartan
2. MN Stars Seter
3. MN Jazz
4. MN Fury
5. MN Stars Martin
MYAS
1. Hopkins

12u AAU
1. MN Suns
2. MN Stars Farview

Thanks to all the great help from the best readers around. Your assists help make this site possible.

Next up: tomorrow morning

Monarchs Over Lynx, More 18s, Rising Fuel

#2 posting 6.13.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

MONARCHS TOP LYNX
The Sacramento Monarchs edged the Lynx 82-78. The comeback fell just short. From the

ATTENDANCE
Northern State led the nation in women's basketball attendance at the D2 level. From the Rapid City Journal.

MORE 18U NATIONAL
Four of the players picked to the 18u National women's basketball team are still in high school. One is 6-3 Joslyn Tinkle of Missoula Big Sky. From USA Today.

RISING FUEL PRICES
How will rising fuel prices affect high school events? Nothing is off limits. the Rochester Post Bulletin tackles that issue.
My guess is there will be a decline in the number of games, you won't see long trips, there may be more double headers, and participation fees will go up.

Next up: Later today with the week that was

More on the 18 Roster

#1 posting 6.13.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

MORE 18U NATIONAL TEAM
The Los Angeles Times looks at Nikki Speed and her selection to the 18u women's basketball National Team. For those that saw Long Beach Poly play St. Paul Central last January, Jasmine Dixon and Monique Oliver did not make the squad.

Ohio State signee Samantha Prahalis also made the team. Prahalis is from Commack HS in Dix Hills, NY. She is the second straight OSU player to make an 18u team.

SIGNING
Kelly Cole of Modesto Junior College has signed to play basketball with Montana Western. Cole played her high school ball at Denair, CA. From KXMB.

COACHING NEWS
Former Wichita State and Wisconsin coach Jane Albright will be the new women's basketball coach at Nevada.

LaTonya Watson has been hired as an assistant coach at American University. She is an Eastern Michigan grad.

Next up: later today with the week that was, unless more news breaks

18u National Team Named

#2 posting 6.12.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

USA NATIONAL 18U TEAM NAMED
The USA National 18u women's basketball team was named today. Tayler Hill of Minneapolis South did not make the list. She was one of 35 players trying to make the squad.

Next up: tomorrow morning

Roysland Assists, Langen Goes Pro

#1 posting 6.12.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

COACHING NEWS
The Fargo Forum has more on the Kelly Roysland assistant hire at North Dakota State. Roysland grew up in a coaching environment with her mother the coach of Fosston volleyball and her father was a coach at Win-E-Mac and is now the women's basketball coach at UM Crookston.

Shawn Stimmel has resigned his women's basketball position at Mount Mercy. Stimmel was the head coach at St. Mary's in Winona prior to that.

Del Bicknese has been hired at Kingsland. Bicknese will be the third Kingsland coach in three years. From the Spring Valley Tribune.

With Mark Arzdorf resigning at Osseo that makes six coaching changes in schools that made the state tournament last year: Chaska, Osseo, St. Francis in AAAA; Fergus Falls, Rogers in AAA; New Life in A. That is 18.8% turnover. And that is in programs that were successful.

GOING PRO
Ashley Langen has signed a pro contract with the Perik Jumpers of the Dutch Eredivisie league in the Netherlands. Langen played her high school basketball at Kittson Central and was an All American at North Dakota in college.

EVEN MORE BASKETBALL ON TRACK
Leah Dietel of Jordan finished in 2nd place at the state track meet in the shot put. She threw 40 feet 5 1/2 inches.

TRIP
Ohio women's basketball coach Semeka Randall writes her final blog entry on her trip to Afghanistan.

SUMMER JAM ROSTERS
There will be programs for the fans with rosters at both tournament sites on Saturday. These are being published by communityhoops.com cost is as follows
12U & 13U - $2.50
14U & 15U - $2.50
16U - $4.00

Next up: more news when it happens, otherwise tomorrow

Out & About: Irondale/Tartan

#6 posting 6.11.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news

Concordia Summer League
IRONDALE knights 4, TARTAN titans 2
21-21, 20-14, 17-17

Sorry this is late, the lightning keeps me off the computer.

Irondale won the night of ties by taking game two 20-14 over Tartan. Both teams were fairly even throughout the stat numbers. Irondale scored six more points on the night, Tartan had one more stop, Irondale had one more assist.

in the first game Tartan raced to a 7-0 lead after two possessions. For those unfamiliar with the Concordia Summer League rules there is a point scored for ever non shooting foul, plus the victims team keep the ball. So in the first two Titan possessions they were fouled on the non shooting variety. Irondale closed to 7-6 after a three by Jolene Blood. Tartan jumped back to a 12-6 lead and maintained that margin until 21-15 with under two minutes left. Tartan wouldn't score again on their next three possessions. Irondale on their last three possessions converted. First Mimi Reif was fouled on a drive. Since it was a shooting foul it was two points. Then Blood scored on a jumper to make it 21-20 Tartan. On the next Knight possession Wojachick was fouled with under a minute left (actually 17.3 seconds). Players shoot the free throws then. She missed both tosses, but got the rebound. She was fouled again and converted the first for the final point. Both teams had cracks at scoring but Tartan fumbled their chance away. Irondale didn't get a shot off. Tie #1.

Irondale broke free from a 4 all tie in game two with a 9-3 run to lead 15-7. That proved to be the winning margin. Kati Kahoun had five of the points in the run for Irondale. Tartan closed to 16-14 with under a minute left. Kahoun made one free throw with 38.9 to give the Knights a 17-14 margin. Tartan turned the ball over three straight times while Westland and Wojachick added three more points on free throws for the final margin. It was the only win in the three games.

Irondale led 3-0 after a Melissa Aalund three. Tartan led 8-5 with Nicole Schwantes scoring six points on the automatic two route drawing three shooting fouls. Irondale scored six points to go back in front 11-8. Wojachick had four of those points. The game was tied at 15 with 3 minutes left. Neither team scored on their next two possessions. Ashley Ebner stole the ball and converted in transition to give Tartan a 17-15 lead with under 40 seconds left. Irondale's Blood responded with a jumper to tie it up with under 30 seconds left. Tartan had two more possessions, but also two more passing turnovers. Tie #2.

photos: #1 Mimi Reif is fouled on a drive to the basket. Tartan's Brianna McKenzie is in front, Alexis Burbul is behind. #2 Denise Dabruzzi drives behind Melissa Aalund with Flanigan watching. photos by kja

key: player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
IRONDALE
STARTERS
Kati Kahoun 10, 8, 125.0, .500 forward. looks to score off the dribble.
Mimi Reif 5, 11, 45.5, .182 point guard. looks to drive. needs to keep vision up.
Jolene Blood 14, 7, 200.0, .714 tall perimeter. lanky, lean. made three 3s on the night. made the game tying shot.
Melissa Aalund 9, 6, 150.0, .500 another three point shooter.
Westland 4, 6, 66.7, .167 guard. filled in for point when Reif wasn't in. led both teams with 7 assists.
BENCH
Neuwsinger 1, 4, 25.0, .250 post
Flannigan 2, 3, 66.7, .333 guard
Wojachick 10, 10, 100.0, .500 guard, scored six points in game three.
Sara Parten 3, 3, 100.0, .333 guard

TARTAN
STARTERS
Nicole Schwantes 12, 9, 133.3, .667 forward. excelled in drawing fouls. had six points in game three all on fouls. looks to drive.
Alexis Burbul 8, 11, 72.7, .273 post player. thin.
Nicole Huset 8, 13, 61.5, .308 guard. strong. looks to drive. turnovers need to be cut down, especially unforced errors.
Ashley Ebner 17, 9, 188.9, .556 three point shooter. made four on the night. also had three points on non shooting fouls.
Brianna McKenzie 5, 6, 83.3, .333 point guard. needs to keep the ball tighter on the dribble
BENCH
Diane Pritschet 2, 7, 28.6, .143 guard. scored on a put back.
Denise Dabruzzi 0, 4, 0.0, .000 needs to be stronger with the ball.
Stephanie Dintzner 0, 1, 0.0, .000

TRENCH PLAYER
Jolene Blood

BY THE NUMBERS
Irondale 58, 58, 100.0, .397
Tartan 52, 59, 88.1, .356
made 3s: Irondale 7, Tartan 4
ftm/fta-ft%: Irondale 5/9-.556
bench: Irondale 16, Tartan 2

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
IRONDALE
Mimi Reif 5
Jolene Blood 5
Westland 4.5
Kati Kahoun 4
Sara Parten 3.5
Melissa Aalund 2
Neuwsinger 1
Flannigan 1
Wojachick 1
totals: 27

TARTAN
Ashley Ebner 7
Alexis Burbul 5
Brianna McKenzie 4
Nicole Huset 4
Diane Pritschet 3
Nicole Schwantes 2
Denise Dabruzzie 2
Stephanie Dintzner 1
totals: 28

ASSISTS
IRONDALE
Westland 7
Sara Parten 4
Mimi Reif 3
Jolene Blood 3
Melissa Aalund 1
Wojachick 1
totals: 19

TARTAN
Nicole Huset 5
Brianna McKenzie 4
Nicole Schwantes 2
Alexis Burbul 2
Diane Pritschet 2
Ashley Ebner 2
Stephanie Dintzner 1
totals 18

more to come

Arzdorf Resigns

#5 posting 6.11.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

ARZDORF RESIGNS
Osseo girls basketball Mark Arzdorf has resigned to take over the boys coaching position at Maple Grove according to sources.

Next up: later today with the out & about from the Concordia St. Paul Summer League

Out & About: MN Suns Fassett/Northern Lights 17

#4 posting 6.11.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

This game took place on Saturday, June 7, 2008
Delano MYAS Event
17 1 Pool Play
MN SUNS FASSETT 61, NORTHERN LIGHTS 26

MYAS didn't get the jump on me this game. I was already there. The Northern Lights didn't get the jump on this game. They fell into a 9-0 valley early and never were able to get any traction. The Suns (the eventual champs of this event) held NL scoreless for nine possessions at the start of the game. The Suns speed & quickness, defensive pressure, and depth (11 players to 7) proved to be too much for the Lights.

Jasmine Mendes scored six of the first eight Suns points. Then it was Rhodesia Robinson scoring on three straight possessions--all at the line. Soon the score was 20-5 for the Suns. NL had a very brief 5-2 run to cut the margin to 22-10. However the Suns scored on six straight possessions helped in part by six straight NL turnovers. It was an 18-2 run as the Suns led 40-14 at the break.

In the second half it was more of the same except the clock was running from the start. The interesting fact in this half was the Suns scored 11 of their 21 points on second chancers. Also of note the Suns only missed on six possessions in the second half.

photos: #1. Karen Gogins defends with Ashley Runge with the ball. #2. Jasmine Mendes gets caught underneath and looks for a receiver. Kylie Gottsman is the other Sun. Defending are Nakita Wilmers and Roz Chromy. photos by kja

key: player, school, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
MN SUNS FASSETT
STARTERS
Jasmine Mendes, Hopkins 8, 5, 160.0, .800 point guard early. everything was sharp and clean from footwork to decisions.
Jamie Noonan, Richfield 5, 5, 100.0, .400 three point shooter.
Scotti Moats, Waconia 4, 3, 133.3, .667 post player. needs to assert herself more on offense. can finish but is not grabbing the game by the throat. is too unselfish.
Karen Gogins, Roseville 0, 1, 0.0, .000 perimeter
Jessica Fife, Osseo 3, 4, 75.0, .500 forward, more 3ish. points came at the line. will need to work on perimeter defense.
BENCH
Rhodeshia Robinson, Cooper 8, 5, 160.0, 1.000 forward. quick. was fouled on three straight possessions. can run the floor
Kylie Gottsman, Osseo 6, 6, 100.0, .500 post player. has good hands. exposes the ball. needs to keep it higher and use her strength. needs to develop quicker feet.
Pam January, Richfield 8, 4, 200.0, 1.000 another guard with clean, sharp, crisp offense. has nice pull up. scored on back cuts. works well with Pettit
Hannah Hylla, Albany 2, 2, 100.0, .500 dominated the defensive boards. Also needs to look for her shot.
Katie Pettit, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted 4, 4, 200.0, .500 point guard. sees the floor and understands the game. gets the ball to players where they will be.
Becca Kendrick, Bethany 13, 7, 185.7, .714 unleashed the 3 bomb three times. thin guard from a smaller school

NORTHERN LIGHTS 17
STARTERS
Roz Chromy, Esko 9, 10. 90.0, .400 post, maybe more 4. runs the floor. can score when hit.
Katelyn Thompsen, East Central 3, 9, 33.3, .111 guard forced to play point. five first half turnovers.
Kelly Niles, Grand Rapids 3, 4, 75.0, .250 forward type.
Taylor Tylia, Duluth East 0, 3, 0.0, .000 forward
Ashley Runge, Grand Rapids 8, 9, 88.9, .333 left handed shooter forced to play point guard in the second half. did score when hit.
BENCH
Nakita Wilmers, Duluth East 2, 9, 22.2, .111 needs to improve on ball handling/decision making vs pressure.
#14 1, 4, 25.0, .250

TRENCH PLAYER
It was a total Sun effort, any number could claim it. but it goes to Becca Kendrick for her 3 point barrage.

BY THE NUMBERS
MN Suns Fassett 61, 46, 132.6, .652
Northern Lights 17s 26, 47, 54.2, .229
made 3s/&1s: MSF 4/0; NL 3/2
ftm/fta-ft%: MSF 9/15-.600; NL 3/6-.500
bench: MSF 40, NL 3
37 point difference in the benches.

DEFENSIVE STOPS
MN SUNS FASSETT
Hannah Hylla 8
Jamie Noonan 4
Katie Pettit 4
Scotti Moats 3
Rhodeshia Robinson 3
Kylie Gottsman 3
Becca Kendrick 2
Jessica Fife 2
totals: 31

NORTHERN LIGHTS
Taylor Tylia 5
Kelly Niles 3
Roz Chromy 2
Katelyn Thompsen 1
Nakita Wilmers 1
totals: 12

ASSISTS
MN SUNS FASSETT
Katie Pettit 7
Scotti Moats 3
Pam January 3
Hannah Hylla 3
Jamie Noonan 2
Becca Kendrick 1
Jessica Fife 1
totals: 20

NORTHERN LIGHTS
Ashley Runge 4
Kelly Niles 2
Roz Chromy 1
Katelyn Thompsen 1
Taylor Tylia 1
totals: 9

Next up: later today with another out & about.

Whalen Triumphant Return, 18U Photos, Age Discrimination

#3 posting 6.11.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

SUN 2-0 vs LYNX
Former Gopher Lindsey Whalen and the Connecticut Sun took the second game 75-66 against the Lynx yesterday. The Lynx had shooting problems yesterday. From the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the StarTribune.
Patrick Reusse writes about the "sparkplug" Whalen.

In Connecticut the focus was on Barbara Turner's 18 points in the Day.

18U NATIONAL TRYOUTS
Here are some photos of the 18u national tryouts in Colorado Springs. Tayler Hill is in photo #11.

AGE DISCRIMINATION
In Wyoming City, Ohio former girls basketball coach Deb Gentile has been awarded $398,831.04 (and four cents). $265,000 will go to the lawyers. Gentile was let go in January 2006 despite a 479-143 career record. A parent dispute was behind the firing. From the Cincinnati Enquirer.

MORE BASKETBALL ON TRACK
Kim Hovey of Red Wing finished 6th in the AA shot put. From the Red Wing Republican Eagle.

Next up: MN Suns Fassett vs Northern Lights