WBB: GNAC Women's Hoops

Started by Poppadoc, February 14, 2005, 02:46:10 PM

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DannyBoy

I also want to extend my congrats to the saints on having the best winning percentage in school history.  It was a great season and was so much fun to watch.  Things are looking up for the saints in the future, only losing 3 seniors and with another strong recruiting class comming in they will be a tough opponent in the GNAC again.  I hope that next year they schedule some more out of conference games vs NESCAC teams so that if/when we make the NCAA's again we will get a better seed due to the harder out of conference schedule.

DannyBoy-

d-mac

Basketball in Division III at this time of year... is so SWEET!!!
32 teams still have a chance at two national titles... and many teams weren't expected to get this far.
Tonight, a preview of this weekend's Sweet 16 action and preparations for the Final Four... on "http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville">Hoopsville"!!!


Wooster, Wittenburg, and Illinois Wesleyan are out of the men's bracket!
So, who in the world is still left in the Men's Road to Salem?
Well... UW-Stevens Point, Amherst, and St. John Fisher.

Trinity (TX) is still alive. Most thought they would be playing IWU on Friday night, instead they face Hanover. Tonight, we will chat with Coach Pat Cunningham about his Tigers. Their road to the Final Four is going to be a tough one.

Then there is John Carrol, who defeated Wittenburg to earn their Sweet 16 berth. Coach Mike Moran seems to have his Blue Streaks team clicking on all the right cylinders, having won the OAC before their run in the NCAA's. We will chat with Coach Moran about his upcoming game against Albion... who got by on what some say is a questionable win over Wooster.

On the women's side, not too many upsets, even though DePauw and Buena Vista were eliminated on their Road to Virginia Beach.

Wesleyan continues to surprise as they took out Staten Island to earn their Sweet 16 game against Springfield. Coach Kate Mullen will join us live on the air to talk about how this season's finish isn't what the Cardinals planned on... and how they're looking to keep dancing.

George Fox will be earning a lot of frequent flyer miles this weekend. Coach Scott Rueck has his Bruins playing very good basketball and will take on St. Benedict, who upset Buena Vista. But how are the Bruins going to handle flying across the entire length of the nation for the game(s)... we will ask Coach Rueck.

And Salem is getting ready for their tenth Men's Final Four. ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston will join us live on the air to let us know how the preparations are going. How you can get tickets! And what else you can expect and should do while in the great city of Salem (and Roanoke), Virginia.

Oh... and of course we will chat with our regional reporters - Gordon Mann will actually join us in studio. And we will certainly take your questions and comments on the air and try and cover a very busy week of basketball.

So come join us online and LIVE from 8PM - 10PM Eastern!

"http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville">Hoopsville": only place where you can listen or chat about Division III Basketball in the nation.

Check out the "http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville">Hoopsville" page for information on how you can listen... and be a part of the show.

raining3s

The forum renovations look awesome...and whats up with the www.thegnac.com site...its dead as a door-nail

simon

Well its that time of year again for basketball madness. The saints should run the gnac again. SVC will be at the bottom again as they don't have a coach. It's a shame because they were showing promise with Finnigan at the Helm. Norwhich will again be tough but i look to see Simmons upset a few teams. Anything can happen, thats why we play the games. Good luck to all teams

d3bballinboston

norwich got beat by westfield state

miked

Well  I've checked out the results of the GNAC and have noticed a disturbing trend many of the top teams in the conference have losing records to date, including the Top Dogs (Emmanuel). I won't be following the conference as much this season, as my favorite player (daughter) has graduated, but will keep an eye open, is this the year the conference finally crowns a new CHAMPION?  I doubt it, as this will remain the Emmanuel Invitational, but it sure would be nice to see someone at least challenge them and make them work for the title.   

Poppadoc

I agree. The Saints dont look as intimidating as they did last year. The Big girls
are going to have to step it up. Parker, Long and
Mooney and Wenz are gonna  have to take it up a notch. McCoy, Johnson and Paez are the glue to this team but they will have to get Bushman to stop dribbling and give Furtney some time as a back up to Paez. Defensively, she needs work but she seems to have the right attitude and the jump
shot to keep collapsing defenses honest. my opinion is if Parker can settle down and play within herself, they will be a force. She tends to force it at times and is unaware of where she is under the basket, but her tenacity is needed as well as the banging. she can fill the role of Munchie. who didnt let many guards come throught the middle "untouched".  Good luck this year Saints. I will be watching.  ;D

Biggirlzdontcry

Hey how come there is not much said about the rest of the conference on this site, there are some good teams at the top of this conference. Yes the Saints win it every year, and this one will be no different, but there are some quality teams that could surprise a few people, teams like WNEC, who looks good with the new coach at the helm, Norwich is always a tough out, then there are the middle of the road teams, Suffolk, Simmons, St. Joes, who depending on the day could put a scare into a few teams,  a team to watch is the Lady Lions of Emerson, they will change the landscape of this conference this season.  This may not be the strongest conference, but the teams in the GNAC do play some of the top teams from the other conferences, give them that much

dannyboyc5

Welcome back to Basketball Season my fellow GNACer's

Gotta love that college basketball is back in our gyms, I know I do!

Some interesting posts already about other teams in the league this year.  I of course am an Emmanuel Saints supporter, but listen to and respect all of the posts about other teams in the conference.  However, dont forget that the Saints have not lost a Conference game in 5 years, compiling a 75-0 mark within that time frame.  Coach Yosinoff is already bitter with two early losses and has his girls working extra hard preparing for conference play.

Teams that will give the Saints good games this year include Simmons, Norwich and WNEC... and whoever decides to step it up when the Saints travel to their gym.  To beat the Saints at the Jean Yawkey Center is almost impossible, the atmosphere is incredible due to the large fan support from the college students on campus.

Poppadoc- I agree with a few of your statements about the Saints... McCoy, Johnson and Paez certainly are the glue to this team.  The three of them should combine for close to 45 points every night. With Johnson on the floor, the saints put themselves in good rebounding position on both ends.  Paez is an intense defensive specialist and is so mature with her court vision for only being a sophomore. McCoy, the team "veteran" will reach her 1000th career point milestone very shortly, not becuase she is a great shooter, but becuase she works hard on the offensive glass, gets out there on the fast break and makes her free throws.

Some question marks that I have early on include the Saints depth. They have a 15 women roster but in my opinion they only go about 8 maybe 9 deep.  The starting 5 includes johnson, paez, mccoy, brittan bushman and molly forbes when everyone is healthy.  Forbes, a senior, plays solid defense, can handle pressure and is an excellent passer with a good offensive sense. Bushman, a sophmore shot the ball very well in her rookie season with the saints and will continue to make the 3 ball when needed.  This starting 5 will dominate any other 5 in the GNAC.

Role Reserve Players - Maura Mooney, a sophmore, had flashes of brillance last year with strong power moves to the basket and had fierce defensive rebounding prowess.  She started a game this season due to a concussion suffered by johnson in an earlier game, so yosinoff is also confident in her abilities on the floor.

dannyboyc5

Welcome back to Basketball Season my fellow GNACer's

Gotta love that college basketball is back in our gyms, I know I do!

Some interesting posts already about other teams in the league this year.  I of course am an Emmanuel Saints supporter, but listen to and respect all of the posts about other teams in the conference.  However, dont forget that the Saints have not lost a Conference game in 5 years, compiling a 75-0 mark within that time frame.  Coach Yosinoff is already bitter with two early losses and has his girls working extra hard preparing for conference play.

Teams that will give the Saints good games this year include Simmons, Norwich and WNEC... and whoever decides to step it up when the Saints travel to their gym.  To beat the Saints at the Jean Yawkey Center is almost impossible, the atmosphere is incredible due to the large fan support from the college students on campus.

Poppadoc- I agree with a few of your statements about the Saints... McCoy, Johnson and Paez certainly are the glue to this team.  The three of them should combine for close to 45 points every night. With Johnson on the floor, the saints put themselves in good rebounding position on both ends.  Paez is an intense defensive specialist and is so mature with her court vision for only being a sophomore. McCoy, the team "veteran" will reach her 1000th career point milestone very shortly, not becuase she is a great shooter, but becuase she works hard on the offensive glass, gets out there on the fast break and makes her free throws.

Some question marks that I have early on include the Saints depth. They have a 15 women roster but in my opinion they only go about 8 maybe 9 deep.  The starting 5 includes johnson, paez, mccoy, brittan bushman and molly forbes when everyone is healthy.  Forbes, a senior, plays solid defense, can handle pressure and is an excellent passer with a good offensive sense. Bushman, a sophmore shot the ball very well in her rookie season with the saints and will continue to make the 3 ball when needed.  This starting 5 will dominate any other 5 in the GNAC.

Role Reserve Players - Maura Mooney, a sophmore, had flashes of brillance last year with strong power moves to the basket and had fierce defensive rebounding prowess.  She started a game this season due to a concussion suffered by johnson in an earlier game, so yosinoff is also confident in her abilities on the floor.  
                                 Ashley Ames - a freshman, has unlimited potential.  She is listed at 6'4'' but is closer to 6'5. 6'6'' in basketball shoes.  She runs the floor extremely well, beating mostly everyone to the block on the fast break.  Has great touch around the basket, and although doesnt need to often box out becuase of her size, she does anyway which will help her develop into a much better player.  When she is in the game and under the defensive basket, teams shy away from driving in the lane becuase she will certainly alter if not block their shots.  Ames' minutes will increase as the season goes on and Yosinoff develops confidence in the rookies game.
                               Ashley King - a sohmore, is probably one of the best defensive gaurds in the GNAC.  She is very intense and in your face, and a great asset to presses that Yosinoff will throw at unsuspecting opponents.  Not much of an offensive game, but cant make a 12 foot extended jumper routinely.  Her defense certainly more then makes up for her offense.
                               
Everyone else on the team has either not proved themselves in games yet, or is still not up to the college level of competition.  Two women that have improved from last year are Catherine Gallant and Erica Wenz.  Both have seem some time early this season and have shown they have worked on their offensive games developing good power moves underneath the basket, but still lack the game time minutes to have an impact on game results.  Both have the ability to be great players, they just need the chance, and with the saints having 5 big women in front of them, their minutes will be limited again this season.

Rickia Fonseca and Lauren Furtney can both flat out shoot... but thats about all they do well... neither plays aggresive enough defense for coach yosinoff to keep them on the floor for more than a few posessions.  Last year turnovers were a problem for Fonseca so this year when in the games she is playing the 2 gaurd spot, not handling the ball.  Again, the potential is there... but the playing time wont be.

Sara Long, Shardea Parker and Kathleen Brice are also in a tough situation, at the end of a very long rotation of forwards and centers.  Long sometimes seems unmotivated while playing.  Parker at times very lost on the court, not knowing her defensive assignment and also she does not have great hands when receiving entry passes into the low post, which is unfortunate becuase over the past two years she has developed an above average drop step move to the basketb.  Brice is a first year player that rebounds the ball well, but does not play solid enough defense to contain girls quicker then her.

Overall the Saints are not as strong as last years squad, but have much more potential.  Everyone knew that last year was going to be a great season.  This year the expecations are not as high, but the hunger and desire to advance in late season tournaments from the women is.  The GNAC will not be a breeze, but I do expect the Saints to capture the title championship again.

By earning an automatic NCAA bid... well you know the saying, "anything can happen, its tournament time baby!"

I wish the best of luck to the Saints this year, as well to the rest of the GNAC squads becuase frankly, you will need it when the Saints come marching into your town!

-DannyBoy

Poppadoc

Well Put Dannyboy. Just a few thoughts on some of your comments.

Forbes is a hell of an athlete, rebounds and plays D, but she tries to force passes when its not there. I still will keep her in the 1st five that aggressive approach to her game is great.

Brittany is btter suited as a 2 guard, she has the shot and the D to stay with most PG, but she tends to dribble a bit much instead of setting up the play.

Ashley Ames only downfall (my opinion..:-) ) is that the conference she played in , out in Maine was not really that tough. She also had her 6'6" lil sister to take some of the load off. I DO agree with your assessment that she needs the playing time though, she can change the pace of the game defensively. Imagine driving to the lane and have to face either her or Lateisha.

Ashley King and Rickia are 2 of the better on the ball defenders in the GNAC. They are in yur face ballers that do not back down. They dont shoot the 3 that well but 12 feet and in is good, Rickia is a better passer and shooter.

Throw in Maura, who can defend, rebound and score (when given the ball in good position. Created her own offense causes her to put her head down and not see the court.
now thats your 9 man rotation right there..........as for the others, well.......

Long, Wenz, Gallant and Parker have been in the system 2 years and still seem to struggle at times. Furtney will be fine once she gets accustomed to what Andy wants from her. Brice is a beast and once she gets comfortable, look out. Dont let her size fool you.......

Yes the Saints are deep in the Forward/Center position but in a pinch they can all play. Playing time is earned not given.
There will not be many of those 20 -30 pt blow outs were Andy can get everyone 8-10 minutes a game so when the opportunity knocks, they better step it up.......................

Overall, your correct about the teams that will give the Saints a run for the GNAC. I see Simmons and Norwich as their toughest obstacles with WNEC u p there as well.....

Poppadoc


Biggirlzdontcry

Dannyboy and Poppadoc you seem to have described the Emmanuel players down to the T. They will be interesting to watch. However there is clearly a team within this conference that is showing that they will be a legit threat more than any other GNAC team and that is WNEC, they have beaten quality teams,  while the other teams Norwich, Suffolk, St. Joes, and Simmons have been inconistent and pretenders to this point. Saints beware of the Bears they are rolling along.

d3bballinboston

Is JWU going to be any better with a new coach?  I'd say JWU has the most potiential to be very competitive.  Big enrollment nice facility, just needed a solid coach to recruit steady and bring in solid players.  Very easy to recruit nationally at JWU.

deiscanton

Earlier today at Auerbach Arena--

#4 Brandeis 63, WNEC 38

Official press release from Brandeis is on the D3Hoops.com women's basketball scoreboard for Dec. 10.

My thoughts on the game:

This was a near-textbook example of how to beat WNEC.  Brandeis came out ready and focused on defense and most of the time forced every WNEC player to take tough shots and do what the Golden Bears did not want to do.

Brandeis took the lead from the start and did not look back.  Although WNEC this year proved just as scrappy as last year, the Golden Bears could not stop Brandeis from slowly increasing the lead.  Brandeis led, 29-12 at the half and increased their lead to as much as 29 points with 4:43 left in the game.

Brandeis held WNEC to five field goals in the first half, all from the inside, and WNEC only made 13 out of 44 for a shooting percentage of 29.5% for the game,  WNEC hit 1 of 7 from 3 pt. range, and that 3 pointer came in the second half from Laura Booth.  WNEC hit 11 of 15 from the charity stripe.   WNEC committed 25 turnovers which Brandeis converted into 29 points.   WNEC's leading scorer was Vicky Taylor, who had a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.  Lisa Masella was held scoreless on 0 of 3 shooting, while Jen Dabrowski had 6 points.

On offense, Brandeis shot 21 of 55 for the game (38.2%), hit 5 of 15 from 3 pt. land (33.3%), and made 16 of 21 at the charity stripe.   Brandeis only committed 15 turnovers, which WNEC converted into 9 points.

Brandeis was led by Caitlin Malcolm with 18 points and 7 rebounds, followed by Christine Clancy with 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Jaime Capra with 10 points.  Amanda DeMartino had 9 assists.

Brandeis outscored WNEC in the paint, 28-8.  On 2nd chance points, Brandeis outscored WNEC, 9-8.

Brandeis heads into final exams and the winter break at 6-0, while WNEC drops to 5-3 heading into the winter break.

d3bballinboston

Pine Manor beats a very good Westfield State College team.  this is a quality win for not only Pine Manor but also the GNAC. PMC has a girl who is like 6-3 and is a stud.