Top 25 discussion

Started by Pat Coleman, February 02, 2005, 12:01:07 AM

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Steve

Lloyd what about Wheaton in the Central Region, who last week was second in the region, won both its games this week, and was dropped below Wash U and UW Stout. Wheaton has a better record and SOSI than both teams.  There doesn't seem to be any reason for their drop.

The only thing I can see as a reason is that Wash U and Stout are programs with more prestige and history.

(Message edited by skafkas on February 23, 2005)

bbald eagle

I compared the Womens' DIII News preseson poll (posted by eaglemaniac on the CAC board  :)) with D3hoops's preason poll.

If I counted right:

17 teams appear in both Top 25 polls.

The other 8 teams differ, with D3hoops' #6 (UW-Stout) being its highest ranked team that is not on DIII top 25, and #12 (Wilmington) on DIII not appearing on D3hoops top #25.

5 of the DIII top 25 that weren't in D3hoops' top 25 did appear in D3hoops' "ohters receiving votes."

3 teams that are in Women's DIII News preseason poll did not get even one vote from the D3Hoops voters:  Salem State #15, Chapman #21,  Maryville (TN) #23.  Not 1 vote.  Makes me thinks these teams are vastly overrated by Womens' DIII News.  :-[

bearswatcher

St. Louis, Mo., November 1, 2005 – The Washington University women's basketball team was picked to win a ninth-consecutive University Athletic Association (UAA) championship, while the men were picked second in the UAA preseason coaches poll, announced today by the league office.

The 14th-ranked women's team earned six of eight possible first-place votes, tallying 48 points. Brandeis University and New York University each tallied a first-place vote to finish second and third, respectively. The University of Chicago was fourth with 32 points, while University of Rochester, Case Western Reserve University, Emory University and Carnegie Mellon University completed the rankings.

Two-time defending UAA champion Rochester garnered five first-place votes in totaling 47 points to earn the top spot on the men's side. Washington U. gained a first-place tally in scoring 40 points. New York picked up a first-place vote, as did Carnegie Mellon to finish third and fourth. Chicago, Brandeis, Emory and Case Western Reserve rounded out the rankings.

The Washington University women, who finished 22-5 last season, open the season at home against Coe College in the WU Tip-Off Tournament on Fri., Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. The Bears men's team, which finished 16-9 in 2004-05, begins the season Fri., Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. against NAIA's fourth-ranked Robert Morris College at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Tip-Off Tournament in Platteville, Wis.

 

eaglemaniac

Quote from: bbald eagle on November 04, 2005, 03:02:08 PM

3 teams that are in Women's DIII News preseason poll did not get even one vote from the D3Hoops voters:  Salem State #15, Chapman #21,  Maryville (TN) #23.  Not 1 vote.  Makes me thinks these teams are vastly overrated by Womens' DIII News.  :-[

Or maybe their Circulation #'s are high in those 3 areas  ;) :D ;D ::)
I may not always be Right........But I'm never Wrong!

newtonnancy

New season, read some posts, and since I am in Chicago still, I have been keeping tabs on UC since I am removed from Brandeis (Allen, come I need some reports) and hear they played Northwestern (yes BIG 10 Northwestern) even up yesterday at NWU.

I think after this result, UC may be craking the top 25 rhis year

bearswatcher

In its quest for success, the Washington University women's basketball team could use a little R (reading) and R (responding) in 2005-06.

Consider that the Bears will have at least three new starters this year. They also welcome nine newcomers to the fold. Expectedly, there will be a learning curve for those new to the program.

"It's a different mix this year," said WU head coach Nancy Fahey. "Last year, we had a lot of returnees at a lot of positions. This year, we have more variety. We'll look to our veterans to give guidance to a promising younger class. That younger group is still absorbing the system and the style of how we play."

With the learning phase in progress, application—or the ability to read and react—will come to the forefront as the season unfolds.

"There has been a lot of energy," Fahey said of the preseason. "We are trying to get to the point where energy relates to playing hard at all times. We hope to respond to that challenge."

Opportunity is knocking for the new faces, though the Bears still have some firepower back from last season. Two of their top three scorers, including the 2005-06 Women's DIII News Preseason Player of the Year, return from an offensive unit that ranked 29th nationally in scoring offense in 2004-05.

"We want to put constant pressure on the defense with our ability to push the ball at teams," Fahey said. "At the same time, we need to be patient and eliminate the things that beat you. We need to stay true to ourselves in trying to strike a balance. That balance will help us be a strong offensive team."

Additionally, 12 letterwinners are back from a defense that helped forge the fifth-best rebounding and 12th-best scoring margins in the country last season.

"Our defensive cornerstone will center around each member of the team knowing her role," Fahey said. "Again, we need to eliminate the things that beat you—giving up uncontested shots and allowing dribble penetration. We will rely on each other to be in the right spots. Developing trust for one another will determine our success on gameday."

BACKCOURT
Senior Kelly Manning, the DIII News Preseason Player of the Year, returns to lead the backcourt. Manning, a 2005 Kodak/WBCA first-team All-America selection, led the Bears last season in scoring, field goals, three-pointers, free throws, and blocked shots. The reigning UAA Player of the Year, Manning also enters 2005-06 ranked first in free-throw percentage, fourth in blocks, fifth in three-point field goals, sixth in three-point field goal percentage and ninth in scoring on the WU career lists.

"Kelly is a unique weapon for us," Fahey said. "Her ability to shoot the three or penetrate makes her very difficult to defend because she can do both so well. Leadership, extending the defense and getting to the free-throw line are keys for her."

Senior Katie Benson demonstrated her ability to slash and knock down the long jumper last season. She averaged 5.7 points per game off the bench, and recorded a UAA-best .413 three-point field goal percentage. She also shot .778 from the free-throw line.

"Katie is a skilled shooter who gets out of the blocks fast in transition," Fahey said. "One of the best things Katie brings to the team is her enthusiasm—she loves to play and you can see it."

A point guard, junior Sarah Schell has amassed 172 assists in her first two seasons on the Hilltop Campus. The Bears' returning leader in assists, Schell also averaged 3.0 rebounds and 4.2 points per game last year.

"Sarah is a naturally gifted point guard with a terrific feel for the game," Fahey said. "She makes timely decisions that you can't teach—she sees and delivers."

Junior Jenny Southworth, who played women's soccer at Washington U. as a freshman, joined the team last season and made an immediate impact. One of the team's toughest defenders, Southworth appeared in 26 of 27 games.

"Jenny adds a great deal of versatility to our system by playing both the point and off guard positions," Fahey said. "Her work ethic, intensity and competitiveness have a great impact on our team. She is a blue-collared worker who does all the difficult things."

Nicky Huels, also a junior, joined the group for her first season last year after transferring from New York University. Huels made 18 appearances in a reserve role.

"Nicky is a fiery competitor whose motor never stops," Fahey said. "She has put in long hours over the summer to improve her game, and is one of our most aggressive defenders."

Junior Tiffany Slater saw her first varsity action last season, appearing in 11 games.

"Tiffany is a smart and relentless defender," Fahey said. "She has become such a vital presence because of her unselfish nature and desire to do everything possible to make this team better."

Slater, junior Andy Strauss and sophomores Kacy Crawford and Abby Mowry all will add depth on the perimeter.

"Kacy spent the majority of the summer rehabilitating from injury; she'll add another dimension to our attack with her ability to knock down the three," Fahey said.

"Abby's comfort with our style of play is apparent, and we hope she continues to develop her game," Fahey added. "Andi is a hard-nosed defensive player with a great work ethic. She will be asked to play multiple positions."

A trio of freshmen join the WU backcourt. Shanna-Lei Dacanay, a Honolulu, Hawaii native, comes to the program after a strong prep career at Punahou School. Dacanay garnered Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Hawaii her senior season. The 5-2 point guard also earned first-team all-state honors twice and was a semifinalist nominee for the 2005 McDonald's All-America Team.

"Shanna had an outstanding high school career," Fahey said. "She has the handle and offensive explosiveness to deal with pressure. All she needs is experience."

Cor Jesu Academy and local standout Jill Brandt also joins the team after earning first-team all-conference and honorable-mention all-Metro honors for the Chargers. She averaged a personal-best 14.8 points per game as a senior.

"Confidence and repetition are key for Jill's transition into the college game," Fahey said. "She has great touch from outside."

Rovina Broomfield, a graduate of Whitney Young High School and Chicago, Ill., native, rounds out the freshman guard group. Broomfield helped Whitney Young to the city championship and a third-place finish at state as a senior.

"Rovina gives us an added dimension on the floor with her speed and attacking style, which allows us to pick up the tempo at both ends," Fahey said.

FRONTCOURT
Senior Danielle Beehler will provide versatility in the post. A second-team all-UAA honoree last season, Beehler averaged 9.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. She also led the team with 50 steals and shot .798 from the charity stripe.

"We need to have a player give us that game-in, game-out factor, and Danielle is that player," Fahey said. "She has great hands and is a force on the boards. We really need her to be a solid, constant presence on the block."

Junior Rebecca Parker is coming off a strong season in which she averaged 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in just 16.9 minutes per game. Parker notched career-highs of 14 points and 14 boards Dec. 8 at Webster University and appeared in all 27 games.

"Rebecca has the size, strength, mobility, touch and post skills to be very productive in the paint," Fahey said. "She appears to be ready to contribute in a significant way this season."

Junior Alana Fields joins the team after spending her first two seasons competing as a thrower on the Bears track and field team.

"Alana joins us after a break from basketball. She sees the floor well at the post position, which results in a good high-low game," Fahey said.

Freshman Zöe Julian served as team captain twice at Riverdale Country School. The Teaneck, N.J., native earned All-Ivy League accolades three times, including second-team honors her junior and senior seasons.

"Zöe has a strong foundation from her sound AAU experience," Fahey said. "She will provide us with strength and explosiveness in the post position."

A three-time team MVP, freshman Jaimie McFarlin helped lead Burke Catholic High School to three division crowns, two sectional championships and one region title. McFarlin, who hails from Monroe, N.Y., averaged 14.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game for her career.

"Jaimie has the potential to step up and give us minutes in the post," Fahey said. "The key for her will be to play with the intensity both mentally and physically that the college game demands."

Tiina Luning is a freshman from Boca Raton, Fla., where she attended Pope John Paul II High School. The senior class valedictorian, Luning helped the squad to the state semifinals as a junior and played in the played in the Palm Beach All-Star Senior Game.

"Tiina is a strong presence in the paint, and she uses that strength to her advantage near the basket," Fahey said.

Freshman Cambrie Nelson attended Kent Denver High School in Denver, Colo. Nelson lettered four years and served as team captain three times at Kent Denver, leading the 2004-05 squad to a 25-2 record and the district title.

"Although slowed by injury, we hope for big things from Cambrie," Fahey said. "Her size and quickness are to her advantage."

Sarah Tibesar, the Bears' final newcomer in the post, is the tallest player on the team at 6-3. A junior, Tibesar is a native of Plymouth, Minn., where she lettered two years at Wayzata High School.

"After a two-year lay-off, we are glad to see Sarah back on the court," Fahey said. "Her size adds a needed dimension to our game."

SCHEDULE
Washington U. opens 2005-06 on Friday, Nov. 18 when it hosts the WU Tip-Off Tournament. The Red and Green will welcome Coe College, DePauw University and Illinois Wesleyan University to the Hilltop Campus. The Bears will also travel to Hanover, Ind., for the Eleanore Moyer Tournament, hosted by Hanover College on Dec. 2-3.

WU hosts the fifth annual McWilliams Classic at the WU Field House from Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 26-27. The Bears will be joined by Denison University, Middlebury College and Wisconsin Lutheran College for the Classic.

"We look forward to a very competitive McWilliams Classic," Fahey said. "It is great to have schools with such academic and athletic prowess together in one weekend."

Conference play begins January 7 versus the University of Chicago. The Bears and Maroons tangle again Feb. 25 in the Windy City to mark the end of the UAA schedule. NCAA Tournament play is slated to begin March 1 at sites to be determined.

"We expect another tough test during the conference season," said Fahey of the UAA. "The league gets tougher each year. It was balanced from top to bottom last season and we will expect the same this season."

eaglemaniac

Another Poll to review..........

USA TODAY ESPN DIVISION III TOP 25 COACHES' POLL



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Preseason Poll: November 8, 2005

USA TODAY ESPN Top 25 women's basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, total points based on 25 points for first place through one point for 25th.

Rank, Institution Points
1. Millikin University - Decatur (8) 222
2. Bowdoin College - Brunswick 202
3. University Of Southern Maine - Gorham (1) 198
4. Randolph-Macon College - Ashland 191
5. University Of Scranton - Scranton 190
6. Washington University - St. Louis 146
7. University Of Wisconsin, Stout - Menomonie 135
8. George Fox University - Newberg 129
9. Capital University - Columbus 101
10. Bates College - Lewiston 98
11. Buena Vista University - Storm Lake 95
12. Brandeis University - Waltham 94
13. Emmanuel College - Boston 87
14. College Of St. Benedict - Saint Joseph 86
15. Springfield College - Springfield 85
16. Hope College - Holland 84
17. Baldwin-Wallace College - Berea 81
18. Messiah College - Grantham 73
19. DePauw University - Greencastle 70
20. New York University - New York 63
21. Wheaton College - Wheaton 58
22. University Of Wisconsin, Stevens Point - Stevens Point 54
23. Washington & Jefferson - Washington 41
24. Albion College - Albion 39
25. Trinity University - San Antonio 38

Others receiving votes: Moravian College - Bethlehem 35; Calvin College - Grand Rapids 33; Wilmington College - Wilmington 33; University Of Wisconsin, Oshkosh - Oshkosh 26; University of Mary Washington - Fredericksburg 22; Randolph-Macon Womens College - Lynchburg 17; Franklin College - Franklin 16; Hardin-Simmons University - Abilene 16; Wesleyan University - Middletown 16; Salem State College - Salem 15; King's College - Wilkes-Barre 6; Simpson College - Indianola 6; Whitworth College - Spokane 6; McDaniel College - Westminster 5; Chapman University - Orange 4; Oswego State University - Oswego 3; Carleton College - Northfield 2; Kenyon College - Gambier 2; Pacific Lutheran University - Tacoma 1; Thomas More College - Crestview Hills 1.

I may not always be Right........But I'm never Wrong!

bbald eagle

Interesting list.  22 of ESPN's top 25 are also in D3hoops.com 25.  The 3 names on each list that aren't on the other each appear in the "others receiving votes" category in the other poll.  :)

2 of the 3 teams that were in Women's DIII News preseason top 25 & did not get even one vote from the D3Hoops voters did at least get some votes in the ESPN poll:  Salem State & Chapman #21.  Maryville (TN),  Women's DIII News' #23 didn't get a single vote in the D3hoops or ESPN polls.

yellstoomuch

Can someone tell me why Capitol is on both D3Hoops and the coaches poll ranked very high. They were not ranked at all at the end of last season. The beat Baldwin-Wallace once last year, and lost to everyone else that was good, and lost to several weak teams. Why are they on the list at all?

bbald eagle

Quote from: yellstoomuch on November 14, 2005, 04:16:08 PM
Can someone tell me why Capitol is on both D3Hoops and the coaches poll ranked very high. ... Why are they on the list at all?

Don't know anything myself about Capital, but here's what its website says about their prospects:

"Dixie Jeffers, enters her 20th season at Capital with one of the most veteran lineups she has ever had with the return of 12 letterwinners and every key component from a team that has an OAC title and won 20 games in each of the last two seasons. Senior guard Sara Heitkamp looks to put the cap on a great career, as a year ago, she was second in the OAC in scoring and steals, third in assists on her way to All-American, first team All-OAC and OAC Player of the Year honors."

I know it's part p.r.  ::)  but that's the school's answer to your question, I bet.  ;)

eaglemaniac

Anyone know when the 1st In-Season Top 25 Poll will be released?
I may not always be Right........But I'm never Wrong!

andrewf


bbald eagle

Second week in a row that the men's poll is out much earlier than the women's.  The women's voters must be slower!  ???

WBRSsports

Poll is now out...Brandeis missed out on the number 3 seed by one point...still early in the season, though. Lots of b-ball left to be played

bearswatcher

Took a little while here but FINALLY some respect, now thats what I am talking about....WASH U