Fall Leagues Past & Future

#1 posting 10.14.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

PRICE VERBAL
Yesterday we posted the Sam Price of Eau Claire North verbal to Kent State. Here is the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram report.

FALL LEAGUES
The Breakdown Fall League schedules for Becker are set and on the website. The Kennedy schedules should be ready at some point today.
The Breakdown FL is in need of one 9th grade girls team in Becker. Contact mnbasketball@gmail.com

MYAS FALL LEAGUE CHAMPS
Armstrong Black: Centennial 5-0
Minnetonka: Hopkins & Bloomington Kennedy 7-1
Blaine: Blaine Blue & Stillwater Red 7-1
Concordia St. Paul: Western WI and St. Paul Humboldt 6-1
Eagan/Eastview: Lady Lightning (Farmington) and Cannon Falls 6-1
Armstrong White: Gatos 5-0

INJURY UPDATE
Minnehaha's Rachel Hansen has been cleared for athletics and played in the last few Soccer games without any problems coming off her knee surgery.

TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
The Apple Valley Tournament pairings have been set. The event starts on Saturday, December 27.
Quarterfinals
Apple Valley vs Blaine 1:15
Cretin-Derham Hall vs Farmington 3
Richfield vs Mpls Southwest 4:45
Roseville vs Edina 6
The tournament continues on the 29th and 30th.

CUP STACKING
KARE 11 has a feature with reporters Eric Perkins and Rena Sarigianopoulos stacking cups at Minnesota. The ref is Emily Fox.

CLINIC
GET READY FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON
With the new season only weeks away we want to get you ready to play at your best. North Tartan is offering the opportunity to help you get your ball handling crisper, get your shot back on track, conditioning and get a few competitive games in before the season begins.
Two separate clinics will be offered:
Alexandria, MN – October 16 – (Thursday) - Alexandria HS
12:00pm – 4:00pm cost$ 35
This is for grades 5th through 12th
Minnetonka, MN – October 17 and 18 – (Friday and Saturday) - Minnetonka HS
9:00am – 12:00pm Friday and 9:00am – 12:00pm Saturday cost $60
This is for grades 6th through 12th
*Make checks payable to North Tartan Area Basketball
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or check the website:
Gerard Coury: 651-303-5262
northtartan.com
Please mail checks to:
North Tartan Area Girls Basketball
c/o Gerard Coury
7611 12th Street N.
Oakdale, MN 55128

Next up: later this morning with more news---collegiate style

Transfers 2009-2010

TRANSFERS 2009-10
This is an ongoing list. If I am missing any player, go to my profile and email me.

FROM TWO YEAR TO FOUR YEAR-7
D1-7
Marisha Brown, (Kansas City Center), UA Fort Smith, Kansas
Anna Brzozowski, North Oklahoma College-Enid, Texas State
Courtney Cannon, Itawamba CC, Campbell
Bianca Cheever, North Idaho CC, Idaho
Hope Elam, Vincennes, Indiana
Shantel Thoams, Consumnes River College, Pacific
Jamie Young, Clarendon College, South Dakota

Three Wisconsin Verbals

#3 posting 10.13.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

THREE WISCONSIN VERBALS
There are three verbals from Wisconsin.
Sam Price of Eau Claire North has verballed Kent State. Price is a 5-8 guard that averaged 12.6 ppg for the 17-7 Huskies last season. Price was honorable mention in the Big Rivers conference. Price played this past summer with Team Wisconsin Select Samuels and was gbbrecruit player of the week in Week #3.

Courtney Doucette of Colfax has verballed UM Duluth. Doucette is a 5-8 guard that averaged 13.7 ppg for the 21-4 Vikings last season. Doucette was first team all conference in the Dunn-St. Croix Conference.
Doucette played with Team Wisconsin Select Doucette.

Erin Higgins of Kenosha St. Joseph has verballed UI Chicago. The 5-7 point guard averaged 19.1 ppg for the 3-18 Lancers last season. Higgins was the Lakeshore Conference player of the year last season. From the Wisconsin Sports Network.

The Trio are the 23, 24, and 25th players to verbal from the 2009 Wisconsin class.
Price and Higgins are the 14th and 15th players heading for a D1 program.
Doucette is the 10th headed to a D2 program.

Photo: Price with TWS Samuels in the match up with TWS Doucette on May 25. Doucette in the same contest. photos by kja.

MORE BATTLE OF THE PROGRAMS
WI Fastbreak Select 17U AAU team, coached by Paul Biddick also took part in the recent "Battle of the Programs" in Chicago.

The previous WI Fastbreak Select 17U team consisted of girls who are class of 2009. The Fastbreak Select 17 group sent to Chicago is a newly put together team for the 2009 summer season, that had never practiced together prior to taking the court at 9:15 am Saturday. The seven WI Fastbreak girls beat a team from Illinois by 40 points, 64-24. They then went on to beat a full squad of WI Playground Warriors 48-23 in the semis. The only reason they did not play the championship game was that four of the seven Fastbreak girls had Homecoming activities that evening back in Wisconsin.

Two of the WI Fastbreak Select players were named to the Tournament All Star team below:
Battle of the Programs - MIDWEST
All Star Team
WISCONSIN
Tierra Bender, WI - Wisconsin Playground (U15)---Milwaukee Pius
Erin Frase, WI - WI-Team Wisconsin Select-Samuels (U17)----Phillips
Kelly Frings, WI - WI-Fastbreak Select 17 (U17) ---Milwaukee Pius
Nicole Griffin, WI - WI-Team Wisconsin Select-Samuels (U17) ---Milwaukee Vincent
Jasmyne Reynolds, WI - Wisconsin Playground (U15)---Milwaukee King
Christie Struck, WI - WI-Fastbreak Select 17 (U17) ----Weyauwega-Fremont

MICHIGAN
Deliniqua Bellamy, MI - Crossover 15 (U15)
Briana Graham, MI - Crossover 15 (U15)

ILLINOIS
Alex Cohen, IL - IL-Full Package Lady Lightning 15 Silver (U15)
Valerie Finnin, IL - IL-Wolverines 16 Black (U16)
Kiley Hackbarth, IL - Hustle Gold (U16)
Lianne Harpor, IL - IL-Lady Fire BOP (U16)
Ariel Haynes, IL - ILLINOIS X-CITEMENT (U15)
Lynette Holmes, IL - ILLINOIS X-CITEMENT (U15)
Clanise Jenkins, IL - IL-Lady Fire BOP (U16)
Taylor Johnson, IL - IL-Angels 14 (U14)
Trishia Liston, IL - Hustle Gold (U16)
Centrese McGee, IL - IL-Chicago Hoops Express I (U15)
Anna Morrissey, IL - IL-Full Package Lady Lightning 15 Silver (U15)
Cede Shannon, IL - IL-Wolverines 16 Black (U16)
Alex Stanford, IL - IL-Angels 14 (U14)
Laterria Taylor, IL - IL-Chicago Hoops Express I (U15)

INDIANA
Natalie Cohlmeyer, IN - IN-The Family BOP II (U18)
Kabrina Merriweather, IN - IN-The Family BOP II (U18)
Taylor Miller, IN - Indianas Finest (U13)
Gabrielle Minix, IN - Family - BOP (U16)
Taya Reimer, IN - Indianas Finest (U13)
Brandi Richardson, IN - Family - BOP (U16)

MISSOURI
Tanchelle Hollingsworth, MO - MO-Eclipse National 16 Red (U16)
Natalie Knight, MO - MO-Eclipse National 16 Red (U16)

KENTUCKY
Daizah Kimberland, KY - Lady Legends 15 (U15)
Teonia McCune, KY - Lady Legends 15 (U15)

Next up: Tomorrow or when news breaks

Profile: Justin Hegna

#2 posting 10.13.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

PROFILE: Justin Hegna
Today we continue with the profile feature of coaches in the lead up to the start of the 2008-09 season. This week it is Justin Hegna's turn. Hegna coached Becker to the AAA championship in 2007. He retired after last season and is one of the owners of the Breakdown publications. The 2008-09 girls basketball edition will be out soon.

your birthday-July 20th

schooling: Ed Degree Northern State University (1996)

mentor coaches-Tim Zimmerman; Mike Dreier: When I first began coaching I studied his program from the youth up. I always thought New London-Spicer had one of the best united programs from top to bottom. I really wanted to have the Becker Basketball program be like NL-S

basketball coaching jobs-Boys Assistant Coach at Becker (2 years) Becker Girls Head Coach for 8 years

Favorite basketball movie-Hoosiers

Favorite basketball instructional video/tape-Don Meyer's (All of them)

Favorite book-John Wooden Bio

Favorite high school gymnasium-Aberdeen Central Civic Arena (SD)

favorite team growing up-Georgia Tech YellowJackets Mens Team with Mark Price

Meal before a game-None

starting five from your high school career-
Jenna Kruchten (2005)
Whitney Latham (2004)
Brianna Mastey (2008)
Jessie Althoff (2009)
Kady Steele (2001)

opponents starting five from your high school career
Rachel Jobes (STMA)
Casey Mann (Rogers)
Tayler Hill (Minneapolis South)
Kamille Whalin (Crookston)
Kiara Buford (St. Paul Central)

favorite opponent-Rogers and Sartell

coach you would like to avoid playing-Lamar Detert(Friend and great coach) and Myron Glass (Best strategist in BB)

trend you like in high school basketball-Girls looking to score and create more

trend that needs fixing in basketball-Understanding game situations. Too many times players don't make the adjustments once game has started.

most memorable game you coached-State Championship game vs. DeLaSalle

most painful loss-At STMA in 2006 during Miss 8 Conference game

If you could go to a college to assist which one: Bo Ryan

favorite athlete in another sport: Brett Favre

favorite coach: Bo Ryan

biggest change in basketball since you started coaching: Level of dedicated coaches. We have had many, many coaches who are devoting time all year round which is creating more competition, better players, and better programs!

Favorite value in others: Consistency in what you believe is right and sticking to it regardless of what others say. Developing a philosophy that suits you.

Thanks Coach Hegna.

There will be another Profile out on Wednesday and more to follow in the coming weeks.

Next up: tomorrow or when news breaks.

Russell Signs

#1 posting 10.13.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

RUSSELL SIGNS
Mayville State Coach Dennis Hutter has announced the signing of Melanie Russell for the 2009-2010 women’s basketball season. Melanie Russell, from Larimore, North Dakota, has signed a Dakota Athletic Conference Letter of Intent to play basketball for the Comets.

Melanie, a 6-3 post player, has been a stand-out basketball player over the past several seasons for the Larimore Polar Bears and has earned the attention of several Division I collegiate programs throughout the Region. Last season she averaged 11 points per game and 8 rebounds per game while shooting 52% from the field. She has garnered Most-Improved and Most-Spirited Awards this past season.

"Melanie's combination of athleticism and size will create many match-up problems for other teams”, comments Coach Hutter. “Melanie has a chance to be a very special player at Mayville State, and we are thrilled she had decided to continue her academic and athletic career as a Comet.” Melanie is the daughter of Jeanie Vigen and Philip Russell. She will wear #55.

Russell is the second player from North Dakota's 2009 class to make a college choice and the 1st headed to a NAIA program.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS
MSU Mankato holds their Midnight Madness on Tuesday. Free pizza is involved. From KEYC with video.

WORLD'S BIGGEST PRACTICE
Illinois' outdoor practice after the Gophers beat the Illini football team was a success.

Next up: another profile Q&A

Fall League Out & About: Stillwater Red/Blaine Blue

#2 posting 10.12.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

MYAS FALL LEAGUE
Blaine
STILLWATER RED ponies 56, BLAINE BLUE bengals 52

Stillwater Red handed Blaine Blue their first loss in the Blaine fall league 56-52. Both teams have one loss in the league. An eight possession scoring spree in the second half turned a 7 point Blaine lead into an 8 point Stillwater lead. Blaine did close to two points, but the Ponies had answers to the Bengals rallies. Whitney Novak had 14 points and six assists for the Ponies. Courtney Kelly had 16 points for the Bengals. This marked the second straight week where I saw an undefeated team fall to a team with one loss. Last week Hopkins knocked Bloomington Kennedy from the unbeaten ranks.

Blaine had the early advantage at 5-1 after scoring three straight times. The Bengals used sharp movements and back cuts, back cuts, back cuts to score their quick hits. Stillwater returned the favor with three straight scores of their own and led 7-5. That was the pattern in the first half--one team had a run, the other team would follow. Blaine had an 11-0 run with a 4/5 offensive sequence. Tracie Gillund had four of those points. Stillwater broke a five possession drought with four quick hits and a 8-0 run to take a 15-14 lead. Kristen Sahr had four points in the Pony run. It was Blaine's turn to finish off the half and thei 8-2 run gave them a 22-17 advantage at half. Kirsten Goodroad delivered right at the buzzer.

Blaine scored right on the first possession and reached their high water mark with a 24-17 lead. After that Blaine went into famine with a seven possession drought while Stillwater went on a feast with their 8 possession scoring spree. The Ponies had five free throws, and two 3s in the burst. Sahr and Whitney Novak had five points each in the 17-2 run. Blaine narrowed the gap to 41-39 with under five minutes to go. Two back to back 3s by Amber Meyer and Novak gave the Ponies an 8 point cushion. Blaine attacked the basket hoping to draw fouls. It did. They spent their next seven possessions driving and at the line scoring on six of them. The Bengals had 8 points at the line in the last two minutes. Stillwater also went to the line as Blaine tried to get the ball back. The free throw parade ended with 15 seconds to go as Stillwater ran out the clock.

You can see the entire Stillwater Red vs Blaine Blue photo gallery at kevinanderson.photostockplus.com

player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
STILLWATER RED
STARTERS
Whitney Novak 14, 13, 107.7, .538 point guard, had 12 points in the second half with two 3s. went to the line three times.
Kristen Sahr 13, 10, 130.0, .600 perimeter shooter. had two 3s on the day.
Heather Kamps 7, 7, 100.0, .714 post, physical.
Amber Meyer 7, 5, 140.0, .600 guard, 3 range
Alex Fosse 4, 2, 200.0, 1.000 guard
BENCH
Kylie Van Klei 2, 2, 100.0, .500 lanky post
Chloe Otteson 3, 6, 50.0, .167 guard
Abbie Gerachi 6, 7, 85.7, .429 point guard

BLAINE BLUE
STARTERS
Allison Ballstadt 4, 3, 133.3, .667 guard
Courtney Kelly 16, 11, 145.5 can play at the block, but can also step out and hit 3s. pulled Blaine back into the contest late with 9 of the last 15 points. physical.
Tracie Gillund, 8, 5, 160.0, .800 post player. feeds well from the post. can score at the high post.
Carly Christopherson 4, 6, 66.7, .333 guard
Sara O'Dowd 4, 2, 200.0. 1.000 guard
BENCH
Kirsten Goodroad 9, 12, 75.0, .333 perimeter. likes the back cut
Stephanie Jergenson 2, 4, 50.0, .250 post. will take outside shots. lefty
Amber Hames 5, 7, 71.4, .286 perimeter. 3 range
Hannah Chuinard 0, 2, 0.0, .000 taller guard
Carley Saben 0, 1, 0.0, .000 thin post

TRENCH PLAYER
Kristen Sahr in a close race

BY THE NUMBERS
Stillwater Red 56, 52, 107.7, .538
Blaine Blue 52, 53, 98.1, .453
made 3s/&1s: Stillwater 5/1; Blaine 3/1
ftm/fta-ft%: Blaine 15/17-.882; Stillwater 17/24-.708
bench: Blaine 16, Stillwater 11

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
STILLWATER RED
Amber Meyer 5
Heather Kamps 4
Kristen Sahr 3
Kylie Van Klei 3
Abbie Geraci 2
Whitney Novak 1
Chloe Otteson 1
Alex Fosse 1
totals: 20

BLAINE BENGALS
Carley Saben 4
Tracie Gillund 3
Carley Christopherson 3
Courtney Kelly 2
Stephanie Jergenson 2
Kirsten Goodroad 1
Amber Hames 1
Sara O'Dowd 1
totals: 17

ASSISTS
STILLWATER RED
Whitney Novak 6
Heather Kamps 3
Amber Meyer 3
Abbie Geraci 2
Kristen Sahr 1
Chloe Otteson 1
Alex Fosse 1
totals: 17

BLAINE BLUE
Tracie Gillund 2
Stephanie Jergenson 2
Amber Hames 2
Carly Christopherson 2
Hannah Chuinard 2
Carley Saben 2
Courtney Kelly 1
Kirsten Goodroad 1
totals: 14

Next up: tomorrow morning

Early Birds

#1 posting 10.12.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

TRANSFER
Danielle Bennett-Curry has transferred from Benilde-St. Margaret's and is now at St. Paul Highland Park. She transferred after school started.

EARLY BIRDS
Illinois was among a handful of teams able to start basketball practice early this season. They practiced outdoors at Memorial Stadium after the Gophers beat the Illini in football. From the AP.

MADNESS
UTEP holds their Midnight Madness Oct. 18.

PREVIEWS
South Dakota State is previewed in the Brookings Register.

HONORED
Katie Smith was honored for her MVP of the WNBA Finals at Ohio State yesterday.

OBITUARY
Cheryl Brooks-Brown, former Omaha Central player and coach died Tuesday. From the Omaha World Herald.

Next up: later today with an out & about on the last day of the MYAS Fall League

On the Horizon; Bulldogs; D2 Poll; WNBA Haters

#1 posting 10.11.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

PRESEASON TEAMS
The Horizon League has released their preseason all conference list.
Traci Edwards (Menasha, WI) of UW Milwaukee is the pick for player of the year for the second straight season.
Rachel Porath (Luxemburg-Casco, WI) and Lavesa Glover (Miami Dade Christian, FL) of UW Green Bay made the first and second teams.
Jessie Miller (Holy Angels) of UI Chicago made the second team.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS
MSU Mankato starts their Midnight Madness on Tuesday at 11:30 pm.

Can't get to Illinois for the world's largest practice? watch on your computer.

PREVIEWS
Drake is reloading, not rebuilding. Lauren Dybing of St. Croix Lutheran is photographed. Here is a thumbnail of the Bulldogs. From the Des Moines Register.

Iowa is looking to do remarkable things again this year.

Wisconsin has a new floor.

Bethany Lutheran is looking to improve on a 4th place finish in the UMAC this season.

VISITS
Iowa State visited the Green Hills retirement home.

THE END
Concordia Bloomington will close up shop at the end of the year a casualty of money woes. No word on where junior Madeline Ehrich 19.8 ppg will land. From the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

RANKINGS
Two GLIAC teams are ranked. Michigan Tech is #7. Hillsdale is #15 in the D2 poll.

Augustana is #17 in the D2 poll. They are the highest Northern Sun team rated. From KSFY.

UN Kearney is #22, the only other Central Region team to make the list. From the Grand Island Independent.

WNBA HATERS
TrueHoop says don't be hating the WNBA. Life is too short. Plus 10 reasons to watch the WNBA.

Next up: tomorrow

Hill 3rd Team Preseason All American

#2 posting 10.10.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

HIGH SCHOOL ALL AMERICAN
Tayler Hill of Minneapolis South is on the third team in the preseason All American team put out by the Sporting News (in the College Basketball preview found on magazine stands now).
Also joining her on the third team is Destiny Williams of Benton Harbor, Michigan.
There were no others on the first five teams in the coverage area.
Here are their honorable mentions (by state in the coverage area) all are 2009s unless noted.
IOWA
Chelsea Poppens, Aplington-Parkersburg
Jaime Printy, Linn-Mar
Shelby Smith, Des Moines East
Amanda Zimmerman, Ballard

MICHIGAN
Chanise Baldwin, Detroit King 2011
Sarah Davis, St. Clair
Emma Golen, Detroit Country Day
Nya Jordan, Detroit Community
Jessica Schroll, Midland Dow
Rachel Sheffer, Watervliet
Sharena Taylor, Detoit Country Day
Courtney Townsend, Detroit King
Madison Williams, Detroit Country Day 2011

MINNESOTA
Shakila Boler, Minneapolis Roosevelt 2011
Amber Dvorak, Hinckley-Finlayson
Katie Loberg, Princeton
Suriya McGuire, Minneapolis Roosevelt 2011
Theairra Taylor, St. Paul Central

NEBRASKA
Michaela Houser, Lincoln Southeast
Marissa Kastanek, Lincoln Southeast
Traci Keyser, Cambridge
Kelsie Lliteras, Chadron
Melissa McFarlane, Millard North

SOUTH DAKOTA
Samantha Ostarello, Stanley County

WISCONSIN
Laura Atkinson, Oregon
Anna Cole, Mondovi
Nicole Griffin, Milwaukee Vincent 2011
Adrian Ritchie, DePere
Sarina Simmons, Milwaukee King
Rachel Story, Milwaukee King
Taylor Wurtz, Ripon

For those keeping score in the honorable mention category:
Michigan 9, Wisconsin 7, Minnesota 5, Nebraska 5, Iowa 4, South Dakota 1

TOP TEAMS
Only one team in the entire coverage area gets a mention in the top 20 teams: Detroit Community.

Next up: tomorrow morning

Verbals: Ohio 3, Wisconsin 2; Battle of the Programs

#1 posting 10.10.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

TWO WISCONSIN VERBALS
Two Team WI Select Doucette player have verballed Winona State: Sam Barber of DC Everest and Katie Wolff of Marshfield.
Wolff averaged 17.1 ppg last season.

These two players push the Wisconsin 2009 verbal total to 22 overall and 9 headed to D2 programs.
They join Abby Busch of GFW and Michelle Tobin as Winona State recruits.

photos: Katie Wolff is on the left, Sam Barber is on the right. photos taken during the Memorial Day Shootout in Menomonie vs Team WI Select Samuels.

THREE OHIO VERBALS
Kelsey Sharkey of Cincinnati St. Ursula Academy has verballed Appalachian State. Sharkey is a forward with heights listed at 5-10 to 6-1.

Karisma Penn of Shaker Heights has verballed Illinois. The 6-2 forward averaged 19.4 points per game for the 15-8 Red Raiders. From the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Jasmine Tate of Harvest Preparatory has verballed Robert Morris University

The three are the 47, 48, and 49th player to verbal from the 2009 Ohio class and the 36th, 37th and 38th headed to D1.

COACHES CLINIC
UW Milwaukee will hold a coaches clinic on November 1 from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Speakers include Rich Panella of Cardinal Stritch College; Steve Krafcisin of Des Moines Area CC; Jason Nichols of Lombard Montini Catholic, IL; Sandy Botham of UWM. and You can click here for the registration information.

BATTLE OF THE PROGRAMS
Team Wisconsin Select played in the USJN Battle of the Programs in Waukegan last weekend, with Coach Royce Samuels. This team consisted of some of TWS top returning 2010 players. TWS went 2-1, losing in the opening game to Chicago Hoops Express, who won the Championship. TWS went on to defeat Indiana the Family and Illinois Lady Fire.
This was the first time this group has played together. They came in without any practices, with only Nicole Griffin having played with Coach Samuels before.
Kaitlyn Haag from Hudson had a very strong tournament. Haag, Griffin and Laura Van Es will make a very formidable front line next spring/summer.
Roster:
#1 Shonny Vaughn-Hawkins 2011 5’10 G Mondovi (WI)
#3 Jessica Waldvogel 2010 5’8 G Wausau West (WI)
#4 Kaitlyn Haag 2010 6’2 F Hudson (WI)
#5 Tessa Wells 2010 5’7 PG River Falls (WI)
#13 Laura Van Es 2010 6’3 F Eau Claire North (WI)
#15 Nicole Griffin 2010 6’6 C Milwaukee Vincent (WI)
#20 Martha Wilms 2010 6’0 F Sparta (WI)
#33 Erin Frase 2010 5’9 G Phillips (WI)

HALL OF FAME
Girls Basketball coach Pat Bowlin will be inducted into the Winona Cotter Hall of Fame. From the Winona Daily News.

#25
Marquette is ranked #25 in Lindy's College Basketball.

MADNESS
Purdue will hold their "Mackey Madness" on Oct. 17.

Southern Illinois will hold their "Maroon Madness" on Oct. 17.

Pacific also takes the court on Oct. 17 in their "Midnight Mania".

BOOSTER CLUB
Colorado State has a news booster club---High Hoops.

TELEVISION
Temple will be on TV a couple of times.

MEDIA DAY
Here are quotes from the Colorado Media Day from coaches and players.

URBAN GIRLS & SPORTS
City girls don't play sports that much. From USA Today.

POLITICS & BASKETBALL
Vice President candidate Sarah Palin has a feature in the Detroit Free Press dealing with her basketball experience.
“I’ve said this before, that everything I ever needed to know I learned on the basketball team,” she said. “All about setting goals and working hard and having self-discipline and knowing what strengths were in the team members and then assembling those team members and tasking the team to fulfill missions. That’s what you learn in sports.”

ONTARIO RESULTS
Here are the Thursday results from the Toronto Star.

Gravenhurst beat Parry Sound 33-26. From the Gravenhurst Banner.

POINT PARADE
Tania Santer, King 26 vs 49 SATEC/Porter 49-27
Jenna Giorgi, Eastdale 23 vs O'Neill 36-34
Shanice Yarde, Woodbridge 23 vs St. Joan of Arc 36-34

Next up: tomorrow, unless news breaks.

Big 12, Horizon Previews; Bad Ideas

#1 posting 10.9.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

PREVIEWS
The Big 12 has made their preseason selections. Oklahoma gets the top spot.
Iowa State is picked for 3rd.
Nebraska is slotted for 8th.
Kansas is tabbed for 9th.

The Horizon League has made their preseason selections.
UW Green Bay is favored for the top spot.
UW Milwaukee is selected for 3rd.
Cleveland State is picked for 4th.
Butler is picked for 5th.
UI Chicago is tabbed for 7th.

You can download the Creighton Media guide.

Temple will hold their Cherry & White night on Oct. 24.

Illinois State opens their Redbird Hoop Fest on Oct. 17.

Denver is looking forward the first year under coach Erik Johnson.

MEDIA DAY
The Iowa Hawkeye Seniors are ready. From the Des Moines Register.
The Iowa freshmen class is "awesome," according to senior Megan Skouby. From the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
Iowa City will be the host of the first round of the NCAAs this year. Will Iowa be there? From the Marshalltown Times Republican.

Indiana also held their media day yesterday.

COACHING NEWS
Rob Smith of East Lansing has been chosen as coach of the year by the Michigan High School Coaches Association in class A. From the Lansing State Journal.

Tim Schoonveld of Holland Christian has been chosen as coach of the year by the Michigan High School Coaches Association in class B. From the Holland Sentinel.

Ryanne Kilgore has been selected as the new coach at Belleville, Michigan. From the Heritage Papers.

TELEVISION
The Army vs Navy clash will be on television this year.

DOUBLEHEADERS
The OK conference in Michigan will have Friday night doubleheaders this year. From the Grand Rapids Press.

SHUTOUT
Sam Mehr of Eastview also has success in soccer as a goalie. From the StarTribune.

BAD IDEAS
Paddling players for messing up in games. Allegedly an assistant boys volleyball coach paddled a player for missing serves. I know it is volleyball, but put in missed free throws and it is still a bad idea. From USA Today.

IGHSAU BOARD
Greg Thomas has been elected to the Northeast District of the IGHSAU. Thomas is the principal of Marion, IA. From the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

ONTARIO
FEATURE
Jessica Kilkenny of Governor Simcoe is a defensive stopper. From the St. Catharines Standard.

Next up:

Sevcik Verbals, Talent ID, Hawkeys & the Media

#2 posting 10.8.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

SEVCIK VERBALS
Leah Sevcik of Stevens Point Roncalli has verballed Davenport. The 6-0 forward averaged 12.5 ppg for the 18-4 Jets last season.
From the Wisconsin Sports Network.

Sevcik is the 21st player from the 2009 Wisconsin class to verbal and the 1st headed to a NAIA program.

TALENT IDENTIFICATION
Brian McCormick writes about talent identification, why athleticism and length are overvalued and psychological and mental characteristics are overlooked. "For a player to develop greatly, he must take the initiative and work out diligently on his own," says McCormick.
McCormick also writes about talent development and separating the elite from non-elite players. Hint--the difference is NOT physical.

HAWKEYE MEDIA DAY
The Iowa Hawkeyes held their media day today. Hannah Draxten (Fergus Falls), Kamille Wahlin (Crookston) and Kelly Krei (Iowa City) are among the newcomers. Included are photos.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Michigan State will hold their midnight madness on Oct. 17.

Next up: tomorrow or when news breaks.

7 Starters, 10 Rotate

#1 posting 10.8.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

7 STARTERS
Iowa State returns seven starters and are getting defensive. The Cyclones hope to stay healthy. You can see media day interviews with some of the players. From the Quad City Times and Des Moines Register.
Claire Rockall is the Cyclone blogging this week.

10 PLAYER ROTATION
New Mexico plans on rotating 10 players.

BANNER TIME
Former Gopher Deb Hunter (1983) will have her own banner in the barn.

BIGGEST PRACTICE
Illinois hopes to practice in front of 60,000+ on Saturday.

ALREADY AT WORK
Basketball practice has already started at the Community College level and Lake Region is getting ready for their opener on Oct. 31. From the Devils Lake Journal.

RING OF HONOR
Former Badger Jolene Anderson (South Shore, WI) has been added to the ring of honor at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

BREAKFAST
Drake will hold their tip off breakfast on Oct. 23.

FAMILY FUN DAY
Bradley hosts Family Fun Day on Sunday, Oct. 19.

CLINIC
Buena Vista will hold a basketball clinic for girls in grades 8-12 on Saturday, November 8.

TELEVISION
Illinois State will be on TV four times this year, Kansas five times.

ANOTHER COURT
Centennial girls basketball players Kahla Becken and Kayla Bilderback are having success on the tennis court. From the StarTribune.

Ripon's Taylor Wurtz who is headed to Wisconsin for basketball is 14-6 as she advances to sectionals. From the Fond du Lac Reporter.

ONTARIO RESULTS
Amherst beat Holy Names 66-38. From the Windsor Star.

Here is the Toronto Star's Top 10.

Edil Ahmed of Thistletown is the Toronto Star's Player of the Week.

And the Tuesday results--from the TS.

POINT PARADE
Monica Suntay, West Humber 27 vs. Scarlett Hts 47-40
Haley Neal, Gonzaga 27 vs. Loyola 39-41
Jessica Carbone, Bishop Allen 22 vs. St. Joseph/Wellesley 71-19

Next up: tomorrow or when news breaks

Profile: Willie Taylor

#2 posting 10.7.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

PROFILE: Willie Taylor
Starting today (and periodically throughout the year) gbbrecruit will be running profiles of coaches--past and present. Today we tip off the series with Willie Taylor, two time defending Minnesota AAAA state champ.

schooling: UMD, U of MN, Metropolitan State

mentor coaches: Tom Gunderson, Clem Haskins, Gerald Kenan, Ziggy Kauls, Doug Fields

basketball coaching jobs: St. Paul Central, DeLaSalle assistant, Mounds View, St. Paul Harding

Favorite basketball movie: Glory Road

Favorite game venues: Hopkins, St. Paul Arlington, Rochester Civic Center, Target Center

favorite team growing up: New York Knicks

Meal before a game: a small light meal two hours before the game

starting five from your high school career
1-point Kia Carlisle, Angel Robinson
2-Theairra Taylor, Jenny Cafferty
3-Ebony Black, Kiara Buford
4-Stacy Fields, Ashley Ellis-Milan
5-Whitney Winberg, Geoegiedda Jones
From Harding 3-Shannon Loeblein; 4- Cara Pearson

opponents starting five from your high school career
1-Farah Williams, Kate Townley, Carolyn Keiger
2-Miller Twins, Mia Johnson
3-Tayler Hill, Tia Battle
4-Leslie Knight
5-Sherrie Stafford

starting five from your AAU career
1-Farah Williams, Erica Haugen
2- Maurie Horton, Rashida Gales
3-Anna Heikannen, Megan Vogel
4-Brenda Stackowski, Molly Hayden
5-Haley Sammes, Jennna Smith

opponents starting five from your AAU career
1- Susan King
2-Kelly Miller
3-Coco Miller
4-Megan Walseth
5-Liz Podomonick

favorite opponent: Minneapolis South, Woodbury, Hopkins

Best opposing Coaches: Dave Preller, Faith Johnson

trend you like in high school basketball: I like that more schools have moved their start times for games to 7:00

trend that needs fixing in basketball: Shot clocks would make the games more exciting

most memorable game you coached: South (06-07 State Championship), South (07-08 State Championship)

most painful loss: As an Assistant at Harding (1990-91 State Championship) Harding Lost to Burnsville in Overtime. Mounds View (1992-93 State Championship) lost to Burnsville

If you could go to a college to assist which one: Stanford, Texas

Favorite Minnesota female athlete in another sport: Lauren Gibbemeyer (Volleyball), Shani Marks (track and field)

biggest change in basketball since you started coaching: Less turnovers, better shooters

Favorite value in others: Happiness and a big smile

Thanks coach Taylor.

Next up: tomorrow or when news breaks.

Hirt, Parity, GPAC, Scoreboards

#1 posting 10.7.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

HIRT VERBAL
As reported last week the Gophers received a verbal from Kayla Hirt of Bemidji. Here is the Bemidji Pioneer with their story.

COACHING NEWS
Jeremy Rosenau is the new girls basketball coach at Port Huron, Michigan. From the Port Huron Times Herald.

PARITY
Parity? What parity? USA Today looks at the parity in women's college basketball.

MEET----
Janell Smith of Kalamazoo Loy Norrix is the next new Michigan Wolverine to meet.

MADNESS
Purdue's midnight madness is set for Oct. 17.

TELEVISION
George Washington will be on television on Jan. 21 against Villanova and Temple on March 1.

TICKETS
Ohio State is selling tickets for the First and Second Rounds of the 2009 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 21 and 23.

PREVIEWS
Morningside is tabbed for #1 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. Hastings College is picked for second. From the Grand Island Independent.

SCOREBOARD RACE
It seems the next arms race in athletics involves scoreboards. Minnetonka has a new $50,000 scoreboard. Champlin Park also has a new scoreboard. Many schools have light bulbs out on their scoreboards. Now you can see the players points, and with Minnetonka's there are messages like Joe & Phil Rock.

ONTARIO RESULTS
Here is the Toronto Star with their Monday reports.

POINT PARADE
Kim West, Pine Ridge 36 vs Ajax 67-19
Kendra Seto, Eastdale 27 vs Uxbridge 46-35
Kelly Bellisario, Bishop Strachan 24 vs Crestwood 43-28
Carly Forrester, Notre Dame 23 vs Senator O'Connor 29-52
Mariah Nunes, All Saints 23 vs Pickering 48-58
Jasmine Harris, Thomson 22 vs Cedarbrae 59-20
Simone Thomas, Dunbarton 22 vs St. Mary 63-25

Next up: Later today with a Q&A

Fambro Verbals

#2 posting 10.6.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

FAMBRO VERBALS
Demeisha Fambro of Detroit Crockett has verballed Detroit. Fambro is a 5-9 wing that averaged 19 ppg for the 13-8 Rockets last season.
Fambro is michladyballers.com #17 ranked player in her class and #4 ranked wing guard in her class.

Fambro is the 22nd player overall in the Michigan 2009 class to verbal and the 17th headed to a D1 program.

Next up: tomorrow...unless news breaks

Buschmann Verbals, Shocking MVP

#1 posting 10.6.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

VERBALS
Lauren Buschmann of St. Catharine Governor Simcoe, Ontario has verballed Vermont. Buschmann is a 6-1 post player. From the St. Catharines Standard.

Buschmann is the first Ontario player from the 2009 class to verbal.

Yesterday we reported on the Jade Rogers (Cedar Rapids Kennedy 2010) verbal to Iowa. Here is the Cedar Rapids Gazette's story.

SHOCKING MVP
The Detroit Shock won the WNBA championship with a 79-60 win in game 3 over the San Antonio Silver Stars. Former Lynxster and Ohio State Buckeye Katie Smith contributed a team high 18 points for the Shock. It is the Shock's third WNBA championship. Smith was named MVP of the series. From the Detroit Free Press.

OUT RUNNING CANCER
Indiana women's basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack helped out with the 9th Annual Hoosiers Outrun Cancer event this weekend.

FALL LEAGUE
The following teams are entered in The Breakdown Fall League at Becker and Bloomington Kennedy. We have had numerous inquiries from teams about entering, so please fax or mail in your registration forms. The Breakdown Fall Leagues will be the premier Fall Event in the state of Minnesota. Both locations will be basketball hotbeds for fans, coaches, players, and college recruiters.
Here is the link for more information.

Kennedy Girls Varsity
1. Eastview
2. Chaska
3. Jefferson I
4. Jefferson II
5. Prior Lake
6. Roseville
7. New Life Academy
8. New Prague
9. Mpls SW
10. Roch Century
11. Forest Lake
12. Benilde-SM
13. Austin
14. Lakeville South
15. Osseo I
16. Osseo II
17.Lakeville North
18. Northfield
19. Rosemount
20. Tartan
21. Plainview-Elgin Millville
22. Holy Family
23. Providence Academy
24. Farmington
25. Blake
26. Holy Angels
27. Park
28. Henry Sibley
29. Red Wing
30. Stillwater
31. Eden Prairie
32. White Bear Lake
33. Minnetonka
34. Waconia
35. Edina
36. Maple Grove I
37. Maple Grove II
38. Maple Grove III
39. Maple Grove IV
40. Mpls South
41. Shakopee
42. Hopkins I
43. Hopkins II
44. Woodbury
45. Burnsville I
46. Burnsville II

Becker Girls Varsity
1.Park Center
2.Watertown-Mayer
3. Elk River
4. Andover I
5. Andover II
6. Champlin Park I
7. Champlin Park II
8. Hutchinson
9.NYA
10. Albany
11. Blaine
12. Anoka
13. Annandale
14. Kimball
15. Staples-Motley
16. Grand Rapids
17. Big Lake
18. Sartell
19. Howard Lake-W-W
20. Rogers
21. Cambridge-Isanti
22. Maranatha

SHOWCASE THOUGHTS
Looking back at the Stars Showcase held last weekend here are some thoughts.
#1 30 minute halves may be too long. I saw three contests. If the halves were shorter I could have squeezed another game in the mix.
#2A the play was ragged at the beginning of the day, but got better as the players became more familiar with each other. Look at the pp100s in the three contests I watched: first game 79.1 & 69; second game 84.8 & 55.3; and the third game 103.6 and 91.7.
#2B I think this is critical---players need to get over their shyness when thrown into these events and take the initiative and introduce themselves and ask questions about their new teammates. Most of the time the team looks more like a collection of players rather than a real team. Communication will help chemistry and the players you reach out to will probably think you are a great human being. Plus it is great leadership training.
#3 most players try to show what they can't do instead of what they do best. The result is forced energy, play that is painful to watch. The better players I saw on Saturday looked like they were in the zone---looked like they were in total control/command of the events swirling around them.

Next up: tomorrow....unless

Fall League: Hopkins/Bloomington Kennedy

#2 posting 10.5.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

MYAS FALL LEAGUE
Minnetonka
HOPKINS royals 40,
BLOOMINGTON KENNEDY eagles 30

Hopkins knocked Bloomington Kennedy from the undefeated ranks at Minnetonka with a 40-30 victory today. Hopkins led for most of the contest with Kennedy's only lead coming at 14-13 in the first half. Hana Potter had 10 points to lead Hopkins. Brittany Zins led both teams with 15 points for the Eagles. Both teams are now 5-1 at Minnetonka.

Both teams were missing players. Hopkins' Jenna Lillemoe was out with an ankle injury. Kennedy's Aubrey Davis is out with mono and Alexis Holt is out recovering from her knee injury.

Hopkins started off the game with three straight lay ups, while Kennedy didn't strike until Zins knocked down a three on the fifth possession. Hopkins maintained their lead up to 11-9. A three by Campbell turned the lead over to Kennedy at 12-11. There were three straight lead changes. Potter scored to put Hopkins in the lead for good at 16-15. Kennedy had a five possession drought at that time. After working the clock down, Laura Bruce knocked down a shot to put the Royals up 22-17.

Kennedy cut the Hopkins lead to two twice early in the second half, but an inconsistent half court game and missed opportunities at the line prevented the Eagles from closing any further. After a Kennedy time out the Eagles scored on a Zins put back to make it 28-24. The rest of the way Hopkins outscored JFK 12-6. The Royals had a 6/7 offensive sequence with five different players contributing. Kennedy missed six points at the line in the closing 7 possessions.

you can see the entire Hopkins vs Bloomington Kennedy photo gallery at kevinanderson.photostockplus.com. The lighting at Minnetonka was outstanding. And that was their second gym.

key: player, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
HOPKINS
STARTERS
Jasmine Mendes 4, 5, 80.0, .600 point guard. scored in transition and at the line. fouled out
Laura Bruce 6, 5, 120.0, .600 perimeter shooter.
Hana Potter 10, 10, 100.0, .500 post player. is physical and has worked on her offensive skills. Also is more active on defense. led both teams with 7 d stops.
Brianna Williams 7, 6, 116.7, .500 point guard when Mendes was out. quick and alert. defensively a pest. went to the line four times.
Kara Elofson 4, 3, 133.3, .667 lunch bucket type player. works both ends with intensity at both ends.
BENCH
Julia Wiemer 2, 3, 66.7, .333 guard.
Tori Joranson 4, 2, 200.0, 1.000 post. has made strides in her play.
Tess Komarek 0, 2, 0.0, .000 guard
Courtney Nelson 0, 2, 0.0, .000 perimeter
Jule Muegge 3, 2, 150.0, .500 guard. 3 point range. is active defensively
Megan Westman 0, 0, 0.0, .000 perimeter
Chelsea Garcia 0, 0, 0.0, .000 guard

BLOOMINGTON KENNEDY
STARTERS
Raven Boone 1, 5, 20.0, .200 point guard
Bailey Lund 3, 4, 75.0, .500 forward.
Jade Martin 3, 11, 27.3, .182 lean athletic youngster. likes the drive. Went to the line three times. had five turnovers. Needs to keep follow through up on free throws.
Brittany Zins 15, 11, 136.4, .636 3 point shooter. also aggressive on offensive board.
Shannon Reiners 1, 3, 33.3, .333 guard
BENCH
LeTia Lynn 2, 2, 100.0, .500
Tacita Gonzales 0, 2, 0.0, .000 guard. led both teams in assists. didn't look for her shot or try to create. defensively Williams went by her.
Kim Campbell 3, 1, 300.0, 1.000 3 point shooter, but didn't get a chance to shoot that much.
Kaylani Edwards 2, 1, 200.0, 1.000 post player recoving from an illness.

TRENCH PLAYER
Hana Potter

BY THE NUMBERS
Hopkins 40, 40, 100.0, .500
Bloomington Kennedy 30, 40, 75.0, .400
made 3s/&1s: Hopkins 1, Kennedy 2
ftm/fta-ft%: Hopkins 9/15-.600; Kennedy 11/22-.500
bench: Hopkins 9, Kennedy 7

DEFENSIVE WRAPS
HOPKINS
Hana Potter 7
Kara Elofson 3
Laura Bruce 2
Julia Wiemer 2
Tori Joranson 2
Brianna Williams 2
Jasmine Mendes 1
Tess Komarek 1
Courtney Nelson 1
Megan Westman 1
totals: 22

KENNEDY
Jade Martin 4
Raven Boone 3
Brittany Zins 3
Kaylani Edwards 2
Raven Boone 1
LeTia Lynn 1
Tacita Gonzales 1
Kim Campbell 1
Shannon Reiners 1
totals: 17

ASSISTS
HOPKINS
Brianna Williams 3
Hana Potter 2
Kara Elofson 2
Jule Muegge 2
Jasmine Mendes 1
Tess Komarek 1
Megan Westman 1
totals: 12

KENNEDY
Tacita Gonzales 5
Jade Martin 2
Shannon Reiners 2
Raven Boone 1
Bailey Lund 1
Kaylani Edwards 1
totals: 13

Next up: tomorrow morning

Rogers Verbals, Suspension, More Showcase

#1 posting 10.5.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

ROGERS VERBALS

Junior Jade Rogers of Cedar Rapids Kennedy has verbally committed to play basketball at the University of Iowa. She averaged 22.3 ppg last season for the 14-7 Cougars last year.

Rogers is rehabbing from an ACl/MCL tear this spring, but expects to be back for the fall/winter high school basketball season.
Rogers is the first player from the Iowa 2010 high school class to verbal.

SUSPENDED
Keisha Mosley has been suspended from the Purdue's basketball team by coach Sharon Versyp. Mosley (Detroit Community) averaged 6.7 ppg last year. From the Indianapolis Star.

MORE FALL EVENTS
There are quite a few evaluation/exposure tourneys going on throughout the country this weekend. One that the All Iowa Attack is taking a couple teams to is The Heart of America NCAA Girls Fall Showcase/Shootout in Overland Park, Kansas. One of their 16U teams (AIA Jensen) is playing, and also their eighth grade team (AIA Red) - 13U - is playing up. Both teams play all their games on Sunday, Oct 5.

Another tourney--USJN Battle of the Programs - Midwest, took place in Waukegan, IL on Saturday. This tourney is for 2010 players and under only. There are 16 teams playing - most from Illinois, few from Indiana and Wisconsin, and then a team from Kentucky, the Michigan Crossover, and the MO Valley Eclipse National Red team.

Updates will follow during the week.

SHOCKED
The Detroit Shock is one win away from the WNBA title as they topped San Antonio in game two of the series 69-61. Former Lynxster and Buckeye Katie Smith had 22 points for the Shock.

ONTARIO RESULTS
Here are the Saturday results from the Toronto Star.

Next up: Later today with fall League Out & Abouts

Out & About: Stars Showcase Storm/Liberty

#4 posting 10.4.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

STARS SHOWCASE
STORM 87, LIBERTY 77

In my final contest I charted it was the Storm running off a 15-0 lead in the first seven possessions as they rang the Liberty's bell 87-77. That slow start kept the Liberty playing catch up the entire contest. At the largest point in the first half the Storm led by 18. At half time the Storm led 44-26.

The Storm stretched that lead to 22 in the second half (67-45) before the Liberty started their rally. The Libs had a 12-2 run to cut the margin to 69-57. The Storm had on last surge out to 80-61. The Liberty closed hard with a 16-7 run, but that early hole did them no favors.

Megan Stuart had 24 points to lead the way for the Storm. The Storm had another five players between 8-14 points. The Liberty's Bridget Schuneman was right behind Stuart with 22 points. Schuneman had 18 of her points in the second half. Two other Liberties reached double figures.

you can see the entire Storm vs Liberty photo gallery at kevinanderson.photostockplus.com.

key: player, school, class, points, possessions, pp100, floor%
STORM
STARTERS
Erica Trabing, Prior Lake 2011 8, 7, 114.3, .571
Dani Mangen, Osseo 2009 14, 10, 140.0, .600
Sarah Hintz, Woodbury 2009 8, 5, 160.0, .800
Whitney Olson, Cambridge-Isanti 2012 7, 9, 77.8, .333
Jaime Birr, Holy Angels 2009 9, 9, 100.0, .556
BENCH
Kristin Sahr, Stillwater 2011 2, 3, 66.7, .333
Megan Stuart, Roseville 2011 24, 18, 133.3, .722
Britney Scherber, Bloomington Jefferson 6, 7, 85.7, .429
Jade Martin, Bloomington Kennedy 9, 16, 56.3, .250

LIBERTY
STARTERS
Brooke Brown, Chaska 2010 4, 8, 50.0, .250
Suriya McGuire, Minneapolis Roosevelt 2010 8, 10, 80.0, .400
Vinishia Jackson, Minneapolis Southwest 2011 0, 4, 0.0, .000
Lauren Busse, Prior Lake 2012 6, 9, 66.7, .333
Bridget Schuneman, Centennial 2009 22, 14, 157.1, .786
BENCH
Megan Waytashek, Centennial 2010 14, 14, 100.0, .429
Miki Stephenson, Moorhead 2010 14, 11, 127.3, .636
Jazzmin Williams, Armstrong 0, 4, 0.0, .000
Kathryn Hartigan, Sioux Falls Lincoln 9, 10, 100.0, .300

TRENCH PLAYER
Megan Stuart

BY THE NUMBERS
Storm 87, 84, 103.6, .512
Liberty 77, 84, 91.7, .429

next up: tomorrow morning.

Out & About: Stars Showcase Fever/Magic

#3 posting 10.4.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

STARS SHOWCASE
FEVER 78, MAGIC 52

The Fever cast a spell over the Magic with a surprisingly easy 78-52 victory.

Right from the get go the Fever connected as they led 15-2 . Leading the early charge was Brianna Edwards with six points. The Magic did put together a seven possession run to narrow the gap to 19-17, but the Magic left them just as quickly. A 1/14 sequence right after that narrowing is a case in point. It was 44-28 Fever at half.

The Fever continued to play with authority in the second half. Some of their players had been together in the AAU season, which was a great help with familiarity. Most of these events players need name tags. That wasn't the case for Alyssa Marschner and Rachel Moen. The Fever took a 20 point lead at 58-38 and they maintained that margin the rest of the way.

Three players for the Fever almost out scored the entire Magic team (48-52). Brianna Edwards led the way with 18 points including three old fashioned three point plays; Alyssa Marschner added 16 points including two 3s and Rachael Moen contributed 14 points plus had a strong floor game. Marschner and Moen (M&M) looked like they had total command of the game. They didn't look hurried and were spot on with decisions. Moen had 8 assists for this game.

you can see the entire Magic vs Fever photo gallery at kevinanderson.photostockplus.com.

key: player, school, class, points, possessions, pp100, floor %
FEVER
STARTERS
Alyssa Marschner, Armstrong 2010 16, 13, 123.1, .538
Brianna Edwards, Mpls North 2009 18, 18, 100.0, .389
Rachael Moen, Burnsville 2010 14, 8, 175.0, .750
Bethany Doolittle, Hill-Murray 2011 5, 7, 71.4, .286
Beth Wittry, Carroll Kuemper, IA 2011 4, 9, 44.4, .222
BENCH
Breeyan Brittain, Minneapolis Roosevelt 1, 3, 33.3, .333
Kyanna Jones, Osseo 2009 8, 15, 53.3, .267
Chanel Dickenson, DeLaSalle 2011 4, 5, 80.0, .400
Josie Dillon, Benilde-St. Margaret's 2012 4, 8, 50.0, .250
Lenora Wilson, St. Paul Arlington 2009 4, 6, 66.7, .333

MAGIC
STARTERS
Phillis Webb, Park Center 2013 4, 15, 26.7, .133
Theairra Taylor, St. Paul Central 2009 15, 19, 78.9, .368
Jermisha Watson, Burnsviille 2011 0, 5, 0.0, .000
Callie Hanssen, Sioux Falls Roosevelt 2010 2, 6, 33.3, .167
Cassie Gehling, Carroll Kuemper, IA 2010 7, 8, 87.5, .500
BENCH
Jennifer Dowd, Rogers 2009 6, 11, 54.5, .273
Ebony Livingston, Hopkins 2011 7, 12, 58.3, .333
Cassie Rochel, Lakeville North 2010 7, 8, 87.5, .500
#83, unknown 4, 10, 40.0, .200

TRENCH PLAYER
Rachael Moen

BY THE NUMBERS
Fever 78, 92, 84.8, .380
Magic 52, 94, 55.3, .287

Next up: one more Showcase summary.

Out & About Stars Showcase: Mystics/Sky

#2 posting 10.4.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

STARS SHOWCASE
SKY 68, MYSTICS 60

Today I watched three contests in the Stars Showcase. I planted myself down on court one (the one nearest natural light for better photos). Here were the ground rules: Games were divided into two 30 minute running time halves. Shooting fouls were one point, plus a free throw. Players were used in equal installments. Most teams were rostered at 10, but some players were missing for various reasons.

This game got off to an extremely slow start. Both teams had 13 empty possessions between them before The Mystics finally found some magic with a basket by Rachelle Blaschko. The Mystics had the advantage early with a 12-3 lead. After that the Sky started having their shots fall with a 26-13 finish to the half. The Sky led 29-25 at the break.

The start of the second half was a flip of the first half with the Sky going on a 15-7 run to lead 44-32. The Mystics did close the gap to 48-41, but a 11-0 Sky surge put the game out of reach at 59-41. Or so it would seem. The Mystics did have one last run of their own as they scored on nine straight possessions to cut the margin to 63-58 at one point. Ellen Edison iced the contest with the last four points for the Sky, all involving free throws.

Ellen Edison led the Sky with 19 points.

you can see the entire Sky vs Mystics photo gallery at kevinanderson.photostockplus.com

SKY
STARTERS
Elizabeth Keena, Hastings 2011 10, 9, 111.1, .556
Kelsie Amman, Lakeville North 2009 8, 11, 72.7, .364
Siri Gylland, Burnsville 2010 0, 6, 0.0, .000
Ellen Edison, Maple Grove 2011 19, 11, .172.7, .818
#51 ??? 2, 9, 22.2, .111
BENCH
Kionda Nicks, St. Paul Highland Park 2012 9, 8, 112.5, .500
Katie Nickles, Braham 2011 3, 7, 42.9, .143
Katelyn Anderson, Solon, IA 2012 2, 7, 14.3, .143
Claire Winzenburg, Mankato Loyola 2, 3, 66.7, .333
Mariah Adanene, Minneapolis Southwest 7, 6, 116.7, .667

MYSTICS
STARTERS
Chelsea Garcia, Hopkins 2009 16, 16, 100.0, .563
Lindsey Fix, Coon Rapids 2010 10, 8, 125.0, .625
Kirsten Anderson, Solon, IA 0, 3, 0.0, .000
Celeste Berg, Sioux Falls Roosevelt 7, 7, 100.0, .429
Rayna Lindsey, Minneapolis Southwest 6, 14, 42.9, .214
BENCH
Sarah Silber, Farmington 2, 7, 28.6, .143
Rachelle Balschko, LeSueur-Henderson 4, 10, 40.0, .200
Itisha Alexander, Benilde-St. Margaret's 11, 15, 73.3, .385
Casteele Miller, Eau Claire Regis 6, 7, 85.7, .429

TRENCH PLAYER
Ellen Edison

BY THE NUMBERS
Sky 68, 86, 79.1, .384
Mystics 60, 87, 69.0, .356

next up: more Showcase results

BC Drops Varsity, Resignation, Recovery, and Queen

#1 posting 10.4.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

DROPPING VARSITY
Brooklyn Center has dropped their varsity program this year. They will play a JV schedule only.

RESIGNATION
Mike Megyese, who has coached girls basketball at South Bend St. Joseph's for 12 years and has produced several outstanding teams and players, resigned this week, citing personal reasons. His record was 205-75.

Four of his players currently are at Division I schools: Kristen Dockery of Minnesota, Aimee Litka of Valparaiso, Melissa Lechlitner of Notre Dame, and Sydney Smallbone of Tennessee.

GAS PRICES
Concordia Moorhead spends 60 to 80% of their budget on travel. From the Concordian, the campus paper.

PRACTICE BEGINS
Black Hills State started practice on Wednesday. From the Black Hills Pioneer.

Minot State's women's basketball coach Sheila Green Gerding is recovering from the premature birth of daughter Kaimbree and complications from her preterm birth.

QUEEN
Mary's Elizabeth Sipma (Dickinson) was named Homecoming queen. From KXMB.

CLUB
Northern Iowa has launched "Panthers in the Paint Kids Club" for youth in K-8th grade.

Next up: later today with some reports from the Stars Shootout

NOAH & the Arc

#3 posting 10.3.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

NOAH
Brian Ammann will be having a station at the skills clinic tonight for the MN Stars Shootout. He is bringing the NOAH machine - a shooting machine that is computerized on measuring arc, etc.... MN School of Basketball is the only training school in MN to have a machine at both their Plymouth and Apple Valley location.

You can read more about it at www.mnschoolbball.com.

Gopher's Mens Basketball coach Tubby Smith was the only other person that had one in the state. Since MSB received theirs and did demonstrations the following high schools and colleges have bought this machine: Minnetonka Girls, Shakopee Girls, Lakeville North Girls, and Macalester College Men's program.

Next up: tomorrow....unless....

Gottsman Verbals

#2 posting 10.3.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

GOTTSMAN VERBALS
Kylie Gottsman of Osseo has verballed Upper Iowa. The 6-1 center averaged 8.7 ppg for the 24-6 Orioles last season.
Gottsman played with MN Suns Fassett this summer.

Gottsman is the 29th player overall in the Minnesota 2009 class to verbal and the 14th headed to a D2 program.

photo---Gottsman last weekend at Armstrong when the Orioles played Centennial. photo by kja.

DICKSON VERBALS
Nicole Dickson of Greeneville, TN has verballed Memphis. Dickson is a 6-0 forward.

This is the first Tennessee player that I have a record for that has verballed from the 2009 class.

OHIO VERBALS
Brittney Harriel of Lakota West has verballed Southeast Missouri State
Andola Dorth of Kenmore has verballed University of Toledo

These two are the 45th and 46th players to have verballed from the Ohio 2009 class and the 34th and 35th headed to a D1 program.

next up: tomorrow or when news breaks, what ever comes first

Rivette Verbals, Stat Misuse, 1920-21

#1 posting 10.3.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

RIVETTE VERBALS
Christina Rivette of Fenton, Michigan has verballed Florida Gulf Coast. The 5-9 guard averaged 18.6 ppg last season for the 20-4 Tigers. From the Flint Journal.

Rivette is the 22nd player overall from the Michigan 2009 class to verbal and the 17th headed to a D1 program.

BIG 10 NEWS
The Gophers have been busy with dinners and community service.

Iowa's season is previewed.

Penn State participated in a Day of Caring.

New Northwestern women's basketball coach Joe McKeown was interviewed and you can see the video clips on his responses to various topics.

Former Buckeye (and Lynxster) Katie Smith helped the Detroit Shock to a game one win in the WNBA championships over San Antonio.

ECONOMETRIC BASKETBALL STATS MISUSE
David Friedman of 20 Second Time Out argues that Econometric Basketball stats need to be taken with a grain of salt if taken at all. Subjectivity surrounds the entire trade.

COACHING NEWS
Pine Island girls basketball coach Rick Canton is also the head volleyball coach this year. From the Rochester Post Bulletin.

COACHING CLINICS
Denver University hosts a coaching clinic on October 11. Former Boston College coach Cathy Inglese will be one of the speakers.

TELEVISION
Here is the Marquette Women's Basketball TV Schedule.

HISTORY LESSON
Stillwater was 7-1 in 1920-21 with a 30-1 win over Ellsworth, WI. Snippet hidden in the "In the Huddle" portion of the Stillwater Gazette.

ONTARIO RESULTS
Here are the Thursday results in Toronto. From the Toronto Star.

POINT PARADE
Kayla Alexander, Milton 33 vs St. Thomas Aquinas 46-38
Muna Nur, Maple 29 vs St. Elizabeth 63-49
Adrienne Sta Ana, St. Elizabeth 25 vs Maple 49-63
Jessica Cole, Glenforest 22 vs Woodlands 58-41

Next up: tomorrow

Bemidji Transfer, Taylor at Clinic, Shootout

#1 posting 10.2.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

TRANSFER
More news from Bemidji. Paige Jensen, a 6-1 senior forward from Mandan, ND, has transferred to Bemidji. At Mandan Jensen averaged 11.8 ppg for the 21-3 state A Champs. Mandan has won the A tournament six straight years. Jensen was All WDA at Mandan.

COACHING NEWS
Tom Campbell has resigned as the girls basketball coach at LaCrosse Logan. Logan made the D1 semifinals in 2007. From 1410 AM.

COACHING CLINIC
The University of Iowa will hold their 2nd coaching clinic on Oct 25. One of the speakers at the clinic----St. Paul Central coach Willie Taylor. You can register here.

CAMP
UW Superior ran a successful camp for girls in grade 5-8 on September 20.

FEATURE
Iowa State has the second part of their feature on Mary Fox.

HALL OF FAME
Letitia Hughley and Tonya Edwards will be inducted into the Greater Flint area Hall of Fame. Hughley played with the Northern's state championship teams from 1978-80. Edwards was on the Northwestern power teams. From the Flint Journal.

Mary (Tietge) Nienhuis will be inducted into the West Ottawa, Michigan Hall of Fame. Nienhuis won over 260 games in her coaching career. From the Holland Sentinel.

SHOOTOUT
The Minnesota Stars Shootout will be held at Bloomington Kennedy on this Friday (skills night 7-9pm) and Saturday games will be from 10:30 am - 5 pm. (We will be having 200+ kids participate)
There will be many college coaches attending from all divisions.
Schedule:
Friday 7-9pm Skill Night
Saturday - 8-9am (Registration)
9am - Kids will watch Mandatory NCAA Video
9:30 - 10:15am - coaches practice with teams
10:30am - Games Begin!

ONTARIO RESULTS
The Toronto Star has the results from Wednesday night.

There is a 32 team tournament at the Orilla District this weekend. From the Orilla Packet & Times.

POINT PARADE
Christine Hyde, Ascension 30 vs Lincoln Alexander 72-22
Whitney Ellenor, Pine Ridge 22 vs St. Mary 57-28
Wumi Agunbiade, Dunbarton 22 vs All Saints 62-54
Mariah Nunes, All Saints 22 vs Dunbarton 54-62

Next up: tomorrow

Gophers Get Hirt

#4 posting 10.1.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

HIRT VERBALS
Kayla Hirt of Bemidji has verballed Minnesota. The 6-2 forward from the 2011 class averaged 14.6 ppg for the 20-7 Lumberjacks.
Hirt picked the Gophers over many other big D1 program offers after a visit to the Minnesota campus last weekend.

Hirt played with North Tartan 15s this past summer. Later she played with North Tartan Larson in the Nike Nationals and turned many top programs heads. "She solidified her status with the ability to play at the next level with her performance at Nike Nationals," said North Tartan director Bill Larson. "We are excited for her."

This is the 332nd player in the history of the North Tartan program that has either committed or played at the college level.

Hirt is the first player from the Minnesota 2011 class to verbal and the 2nd in the entire coverage area from the 2011 class to verbal.

Hirt will join two other North Tartan players Katie Loberg, and Shakila Boler, on the Gopher roster in the fall of 2011.

Next up: tomorrow

Hooten Verbals

#3 posting 10.1.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

HOOTEN VERBALS
Kassie Hooten of Moorhead has verballed to University of Detroit. The 6-0 forward averaged 15 ppg for the 9-15 Spuds last season.

Hooten played her summer ball with MN Stars Smith.

Hooten is the 29th player overall in the Minnesota 2009 class to verbal and the 16th headed to a D1 program.

Other Detroit Verbals so far include
India Hairston of Flint Hamady

Photo from the North Tartan Meltdown in July. Photo by kja

Next up: tomorrow

Schechinger and Coaching Clinic Dates

#2 posting 10.1.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

SCHECHINGER VERBALS
Back on August 24th I posted a story on Katie Schechinger's verbal to Drake. Here is the Omaha World Herald's story on the verbal.

CLINICS
The Minnesota Girls Basketball coaches clinic will be at the Williams Arena on Oct. 24 and Hill-Murray on Oct. 25.

The Michigan Basketball Coaches Clinic will be held this weekend Oct 3, 4 and 5 in Lansing.

The Iowa Basketball Coaches Association has their coaches clinic on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1

The South Dakota Basketball Coaches Clinic will be held Nov. 1 & 2 in Sioux Falls. From the Yankton Press & Dakotan.

NDSCS will hold a basketball coaches clinic on Oct. 12. From the Wahpeton Daily News.

Next up: tomorrow

Tournaments, Found, & Stats

#1 posting 10.1.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

TOURNAMENT MOVES
The Michigan State girls basketball tournament will move from Eastern Michigan to the Breslin Center at Michigan State. From the Holland Sentinel.

POSTSEASON TOURNAMENT
Nike, Paragon Marketing and ESPN are working on a postseason national boys basketball tournament in April in Washington, D.C. If the boys are examining the event, the girls will soon follow. From USA Today.

FOUND
Sierra "CeCe" Sims, an Auburn freshman guard from Brentwood, Tennessee, was found after missing classes. Police were looking in ditches. From the Opelika-Auburn News.

BLOGGING
Denae Stuckey of Iowa State is the featured player in the CYber CYd blog.

CLINIC
Grand Valley State will hold a clinic on October 25.

STATS
The Wages of Wins has tools to evaluate collegiate performance. The examples used are NBA players drafted.

BMac looks at stats NBA Style.

EUROPEAN RESULTS
Former Badger Jolene Anderson scored 23 points in a 76-58 loss. Anderson is now playing with Villeneuve d’Ascq in France.

ONTARIO RESULTS
The Toronto Star has Tuesday night's results. Symone Murray of St. Marguerite d'Youville was Athlete of the Week. Notre Dame is the #1 team. All in the Toronto Star.

Oakridge won the first game on their new floor by beating Sathroy Saints 53-42. From the London Free Press.

POINT PARADE
Leeanna Osei, Eastern Commerce 32 vs. Marc Garneau 91-28
Portia Deterville, Weston 23 vs. York Memorial 44-33

Next up: Tomorrow