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Division III basketball (Posting Up) => Women's Basketball => Region 10 women's basketball => Topic started by: swiss on March 07, 2005, 12:40:48 AM

Title: WBB: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 07, 2005, 12:40:48 AM
RC...

Trinity's Athletic Center cost 15 mil in 1992.  The gym seats 1800.  Any other objections?
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrew on March 07, 2005, 12:55:49 AM
I talked to the guys at Hoopsville on Selection Sunday and they mentioned that they figured this regional would be at Randolph-Macon.  When I asked them why they didn't tell me that other places were undeserving, they assumed it would be there because the NCAA would want to build up hype for the Final Four which will be held close by.

It's not that the care about the expenses with flying in people, they want to make as much money as possible with the Final Four as possible while screwing over West Coast teams as much as possible.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 07, 2005, 12:57:52 AM
BTW:  R-M's gym only holds 1600 and they average 200 fans per game.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 07, 2005, 01:17:36 AM
Macon's gym holds 1680 and they had 1100 there on Saturday, about 850 of which were Macon fans. While I don't know when RMC's spring break is, I would expect that if in-session, Macon could easily sell out its 840-ticket allotment and maybe the leftover tickets that the three opposing teams are unlikely to sell.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 07, 2005, 01:53:23 AM
Well...I can assure you the Bruins will have at least 18 there (15 players and 3 coaches) on Friday.  I think that's all they'll need to take care of business but I suspect a few others will straggle in to watch.  I bet SBC will show up too.  It should be a great game.

May the best team win!
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 07, 2005, 02:55:32 AM
One other tidbit.  I noticed on the men's side that UPS didn't get the nod as a regional site even though they had the number one seed.  Hmmm... they chose UW-Stevens Point, a mid country site.  Well, that's a good idea.  At least Hanover won't be put out.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrew on March 07, 2005, 03:17:43 AM
Why would they go to UPS? That's on the west coast. :-)
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 07, 2005, 03:55:02 AM
And their gymnasium is not available this weekend, which kind of makes it difficult to put games at UPS. Nice theory, though.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wyoming Bruin on March 07, 2005, 10:52:44 AM
It is somewhat humerous that we west coast afficiondos so frequently assume we are the beneficiary of East coast bias.  Not that we aren't.  Just because we are paranoid doesn't mean someone isn't out to get us.  None the less, sometimes there are legitimate reasons.  Not often, but sometimes. It does seem that if someone has to be host rather than playing the games on a neutral court, it should be the higher rated seed.  Of course, then you get into the whole east coast bias thing again as to how the voting is done and where those committee members are from and have they ever seen a GFU or Whitworth game.  It is what it is.  The only solution is "Just win baby, Win."  If not, we'll love our NWC representative anyway.  Especially when it is GFU.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: littlest BIG on March 07, 2005, 04:17:16 PM
Swiss
I completely agree with you that coaches do not need to be liked by all of their players, in my experience both playing and coaching, this has never been the situation.  I also agree with your point that each player may want something different, but when they come together and want the same outcome that is what makes a great team.  However, yes a coach does have a lot to do with this, but I know from experience that all of the players have to be the first to jump on board with this idea before it will completely work.  

It seems to me that you and I are definitely on the same page when it comes to good coaches.  I again completely agree with all the characteristics that you listed for your most memorable coaches, I too have had those unforgettable coaches in my life.  

My comments on COY really had nothing to do with likes or dislikes of coaches.  I just wanted to throw something out there that would cause some discussion and I guess I hit a few sensitive nerves.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat1144 on March 07, 2005, 05:03:02 PM
good footwork in that backpedaling, littlest Big.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: d-mac on March 08, 2005, 04:50:58 PM
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 "Hoopsville"!!!


Wooster, Wittenberg, 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 Carroll, who defeated Wittenberg 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!

"Hoopsville": only place where you can listen or chat about Division III Basketball in the nation.

Check out the "Hoopsville" page for information on how you can listen... and be a part of the show.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 09, 2005, 01:27:07 AM
Well that's more like it...  The WBCA's poll, just released, shows GFU at 14th.  I happen to think they are underrated even there but they will have to hit on all cylinders this weekend to prove me right.  This team completely dominated Chapman in the second half even with KL being slowed by their defense.  

We all know that polls are no substitute for performance...so go hard BRUINS, and take 'em all the way!
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 09, 2005, 06:14:24 PM
D3hoops.com will be broadcasting the entire Randolph-Macon sectional. More details, including a link to the NCAA site where the broadcast links will appear, can be found on our Audio page.

http://www.d3hoops.com/audio/
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wyoming Bruin on March 11, 2005, 04:44:38 PM
Only 1 hour till broadcast.  We will see if the GFU we know and love got off the plane to represent the NWC in the fashion we have become accustomed to.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: atn alum on March 11, 2005, 06:00:42 PM
broadcast will begin in apx 10 minutes...gfox vs st. bens...sorry for delay
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wyoming Bruin on March 11, 2005, 07:41:34 PM
Very exciting game with GFU beating St. Bens, 74-69.  St. Ben's held a 30-24 halftime edge with their 6'4" center hitting 4/5 3's.  Liz Clark kept the Bruins in the game in the first half with Kim Leith taking over in the 2nd frame and finishing with 25 points.  Liz finished with 23 and iced the game with 2 freebies with 11 seconds left.  St. Bens outrebounded the Bruins 43-32 and TO's were about even.  GFU was awesome in the last 10 minutes, with Leith hitting 3 straight 3's and a couple of "left em in the dust" drives to take over the game.  Congrats Bruins.  Keep winning, Baby.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrew on March 11, 2005, 07:48:26 PM
That's right, I was practically dieng from anticapation over here listening to it.  Now we just need to beat Randolph-Macon or Trinity and we're off to the Final Four.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wyoming Bruin on March 11, 2005, 09:48:24 PM
Take it easy Andrew.  It's hard to do CPR from 800 miles away over a DSL.  I'm just not that good.  Enjoy the campus wide celebration.   I will look forward to giving you the same advice tomorrow.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on March 11, 2005, 11:02:52 PM
Anyone who will listen.
3 straight years NWC makes it to the Elite 8.
3 straight years the NWC gets one team in to the national tournament.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat1144 on March 12, 2005, 11:57:36 AM
Congrats Bruins!!!!  Keep winning and bring home more glory to GFU and the NWC!

Go Bruins!
Go NWC!
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wyoming Bruin on March 13, 2005, 12:43:28 AM
Bah Humbug.  The ladies made a great run and represented the NWC and GFU well.  It always feels a little empty when our NWC representative looses, especially when it is my Bruins, but we have had elite 8 trips 3 years in a row so we have been well represented.  I will just have to pack up the gear and wait till next fall to start this all again.  At least we got past a MIAC representative this time around.  I am sure Whitworth could also have gone deep into the tourney.  See you all next year.  Be forewarned, the Bruins will miss Liz but have a lot of depth and young talent coming back.
Andrew, sorry I didn't get to give you another round of ventricular arythmia calming advice.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 13, 2005, 01:57:47 PM
The Bruins had one of those "hard but good" experiences that make sport the great drama that it is.  Right now it is just "hard."  The good will come when this team regroups for another run at it next year.  While there will be important pieces missing (LC and KT), there will also be a new hunger and a new depth to this team that could take them all the way.  They won't soon forget what it's like to play in front of such a large and partisan crowd, against a team that looked so imposing.  They will have fresh memories of why it is called "home court advantage" and what the western D III teams are up against when they play back east.  The Bruins will start the year knowing they "are supposed to win" while other teams will be measured against them.  By the end of next year they will have learned that staying on top is harder work than getting to the top, and that the grip on that top rung can be pretty slippery.

Nevertheless, the Bruins can be very proud of what they accomplished this year, and they have much to build on.  Right now the bitterness of losing is still in your mouth, but if losing wasn't so hard, winning wouldn't be so sweet.  

Great job Bruins, you deserve all the success you've had.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on March 15, 2005, 12:26:56 PM
Doesn't K. Thomas have one more year of eligability? Someone going to talk her into staying?
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrew on March 15, 2005, 12:47:37 PM
She does have one more year of eligibility but she requested she be included in senior night and is not planning on coming back.  I doubt anyone could convince her to come back for another year.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 15, 2005, 01:17:05 PM
She's getting married to Eric Feigi this summer.  Her body hurts too much to continue and she says she is ready to move on.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on March 16, 2005, 11:21:17 AM
wildcat,

just got back and looked online and i want you to know i have very disappointed in your last post....no links just !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

come on---you were better than that--didn't the Foxes deserve a bit more?

DIII hoops all-regional teams are out--congrats to all the NWC reps.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat1144 on March 18, 2005, 12:44:01 AM
D3hoops All-West Region NWC Reps!


First Team

Vanessa Wyffels, Willamette, Jr.


Second Team

Kim Leith, GFU, Jr.


Sarah Shogren, Whitworth, Sr.


Tiffany Speer, Whitworth, Sr.


Third Team


Liz Clark, GFU, Sr.


DeeDee Arnell, Pacific, Jr.


Lindsay May, UPS, Sr.

Congratulations and another great year in the NWC.

(Message edited by wildcat1144 on March 18, 2005)
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 18, 2005, 08:21:35 PM
Randolph-Macon beats Scranton, 70-65.  That score leaves lots of "if only's" for the Bruins.  Having seen last week's game, it's not hard to imagine GFU playing Milikan for the Div III Title.  That makes the "agony of defeat" a little more "agonizing"!
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on March 18, 2005, 09:53:38 PM
swiss-

every team could use a what if or 'if only,'  don't punish yourself....really it won't turn back time and it won't make GFU come out on top of the scoreboard....last year UPS lost by 2 or whatever with 3 seconds and the year before PLU by 1 maybe with 2-3 seconds left----seriously that is a bit closer and cause for 'agnoy of defeat.'

wildcat---you make me proud.
Title: Northwest Conference
Post by: hooppride33 on April 09, 2005, 10:00:53 PM
Has anyone heard that Tom Steers the Willamette coach resigned?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on October 24, 2005, 03:29:12 AM
Alright... summer's over.  Anyone willing to take a stab at preseason picks for the NWC?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on October 28, 2005, 07:04:20 PM
Bruins are ranked 10th in Top 25 Preseason D3hoops poll.
Title: NWC Picks
Post by: Loggerville on November 03, 2005, 11:38:40 PM
Pick 'em Time
1. GFU
2. UPS
3. Whitman
4. PLU
5. Whitworth
6. Willamette
7. Linfield
8. LC
9. Pacific

COY - Barcomb: Leading a young Loggers squad to the top tier of a tough NWC is worthy

Would love to hear others thoughts.....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on November 07, 2005, 01:37:11 AM
NWC Coaches poll is out. 

1) George Fox (7 firsts) (86 pts)
2) Whitman (1 first) (66 pts)
3) Pacific Lutheran (1 first) (60 pts)
4) Puget Sound (52 pts)
5) Whitworth (41 pts)
6) Linfield (37 pts)
7) Pacific (27 pts)
8) Willamette (23 pts)
9) Lewis & Clark (22 pts)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rockcat on November 09, 2005, 02:38:40 AM
test
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on November 10, 2005, 01:34:12 PM
GFU ranked 8th (129 pts) in USA Today ESPN D III Top 25 Coaches' Poll.  Whitworth and PLU also received votes.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on November 18, 2005, 03:53:04 PM
i just wanted to say that the NWC will go 6/7 in first round games tonight.  the only 2 not playing are the w's---i think. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerville on November 21, 2005, 09:18:16 AM
Watch-out for that run and gun offense in Tacoma!  Way to defend the home court Loggers.  Good start to the 05-06 campaign.  Good luck to the team this week.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on November 27, 2005, 12:13:04 PM
NWC play begins this weekend---any thoughts?
GFU and Linfield are the only 2 teams without a loss.
Anyone seen Linfield play?
Is the NWC having a up or down year?  Is it going to be GFU all the way--can anyone challenge them?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on December 02, 2005, 12:06:34 PM
Yes, it appears that GFU will have a good team.  Lindfield, always hectic and they are due a good year.  I never underestimate PLU, and UPS has been tough for a few years now.  Don't forget that Whitman has a lot of experience and 2 years of relative success.  Basicly, it is too early to try to predict this always tough conference.  Of course, I am always optimistic that GFU will prevail, but enough of a realist not to discredit  PP's Lutes or any of the historically strong teams yet.  Although I am far away and only get to see a couple of games a year, yes I still have students at GFU, I am looking forward to my digital perview of NWC games.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on December 03, 2005, 09:29:48 PM
don't have the stats but Linfield downed Whitworth tonight at Wilson Gym.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrewf on December 04, 2005, 12:01:07 AM
George Fox took out Whitman tonight by a little under 20.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on December 04, 2005, 01:38:46 PM
By the early looks of things---a 3 team race---
GFU
PLU
Linfield

Upset specials----will come by LC----not in the doghouse anymore.
The Whits will get wins on home courts---and splits on most road trips.
UPS allows too many points--and don't have consistent scoring by the looks of stat sheets.
Bearcats don't have 2 big players back from last season.
Pacific has 2 solid post players---
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: big_al on December 05, 2005, 06:23:15 AM
To finally get some more talk going in here. What were the two coaches who didn't give the Bruin's first place votes in the pre season poles thinking? I know you are allowed a little bit of bias for your own team, but was this plain Naivety?

I think my opinion is pretty clear, but what are thoughts from others?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 06, 2005, 05:09:02 PM
The Bruins dropped one spot in the D3Hoops Poll to 7th (no telling why) but have jumped up to 5th in the WCBA poll.  The recognition is nice, but polls create increasingly high expectations in fans and always greater motivation for the opponent.  We'll still have to see how well this solid and deep basketball team fares in managing the emotional pressures of competition.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 13, 2005, 12:06:35 AM
Well, there doesn't seem to be much to talk about right now in the NWC.  The Bruins have regained the spot they lost on the D3Hoops poll... now back at 6th with one first place vote.  Southern Maine gets the other 24.  So... I guess it's safe to assume that at least one of the 25 coaches/SIDs is from the west coast. 

Linfield gets two votes.  L&C probably deserves a few too.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrewf on December 13, 2005, 12:25:19 AM
Yeah I'd say one of the voters is from the west coast, possibly could've even had their team play Fox and were impressed.  Odd to see a 6th ranked team with a first place vote.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 13, 2005, 04:13:58 PM
No #1's for Fox in the WBCA poll but they have moved up from 5th to 3rd this week.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 19, 2005, 02:10:24 PM
For any of you poll watchers:  Southern Maine (currently ranked #1 in D3Hoops with 24 1st place votes) got beat over the weekend by Salem State so there will likely be some reshuffling in the polls that come out tomorrow.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on December 19, 2005, 07:56:22 PM
Is Brandi Loring done for the year? That knee looked pretty braced up on Saturday. Hate seeing things like that, senior year and all. One of the best players in the conference, hope she has a speedy recovery.

-PP
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on December 20, 2005, 02:02:14 PM
Polls don't matter---this early---wins do---GFU seems to be in total control able to play the uptempo and hit the 3-ball or a defensive struggle--just look at WOU box scores.

PLU should get votes not LC---but rember polls don't matter. It seems several teams have players out, missing, injured---not showing up in the box scores.  Did Brandi hurt her knee--when?  Anyone know why the Roberts girl from UPS is not playing?  Is Whitman all healthy again?  PLU seems to have everyone back according to press releases.

Is there a team in the NWC that can beat GFU----PLU seems to have everyone on the same page. 


Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 20, 2005, 03:19:47 PM
RS:  I agree, PLU should get some votes (so it's a good thing polls don't matter ;D).  However, Linfield... now 7-3, gets 4 votes and PLU... 7-1 gets none.  Go figure!  What happened to PLU's web site anyway?

For those that pay attention to the "insignificant" polls, there's an interesting thread in the Daily Dose that debates whether Southern Maine should keep their number one spot following their loss to Salem State.  They did... barely.  Although, I'd love to see the Bruins take them on this afternoon.

BTW:  I do think polls matter... to fans and players, not particularly to coaches.  It puts a pressure on the coach that is pretty unreasonable.  Determining the "best" team is a very fluid process that has to take into account so many variables and intangibles that much of the objectivity is lost.  In the end, one has to say the last team standing is the "best" team.  In the meantime, what's important for coaches and players it to make a commitment to give their best to each battle or each challenge they face, letting the polls take care of themselves.  But, for us fans, polls give us something to talk about.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 20, 2005, 05:31:39 PM
PLU's web site is back online.

GFU moved up to number 2 in the WBCA poll behind Washington U.  Seems to me the WBCA has a clearer notion of the top 10 than D3Hoops but, of course, that's debatable.

PLU did get one vote in the WBCA, Linfield did not.  So, that seems more on track too.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on December 22, 2005, 01:20:22 AM
There isn't enough national media coverage for all the voters to know what teams are doing or how they are really playing (Nationally). No one on the east coast has any real idea what is going on with NWC teams. Fox is an easy pick, they were almost a final four team last year and since their tourney loss are posting a perfect record. Started high, staying high. Despite the strong start I would argue that Rueck wished Liz and Kellie were still playing. Linfield made some noise early on getting a win against D2 NNU, but since losing their best player, have lost twice to Warner Pac, and once to Clairmont MS (SCIAC). You think anyone other than the one NWC voter knows that Loring is out and what the means to her team? I do like how they still have last years team picture posted...i found myself asking if Heidi Jurgens was every going to graduate?

For the record, PLU doesnt deserve anything yet either. 7-1 is a solid start, but a 3 minute 10 point meltdown to TESU shows they still have some work to do. Of course the 10 pt comback against Warner was a nice bounce back and the win at Corban was solid, there is still alot for PLU to improve to consider them a top 25. Other than Mann, Turner and Long (returning Anna Sticklin), this is a brand spanking new squad. Bet no one outside of Washington knows that PLU has a started from last year that is out for the season as well.

The polls do serve a purpose, they give fans a chance to get interested in hoops before conference starts. All this out of conference jockying is interesting, but what these teams are going to do in conference is more telling than any national poll. Wasn't Carleton (MIAC) #3 in the nation last year before they made the NWC tour and walked away 0-3? Some poll.

L&C is more dangerous than ever before, right Suzy? So watch for them. If Linfield can figure out who is going to be their go to scorer (Don't say Bayley Coblentz, she seems to want to pass 1st) they could do some damage still. UPS can score, so wins are possible, but can they defend (losses are also possible). Fox has played only one team with a winning record (Southern Oregon) and beat up a D2 school with no wins (Western Oregon 0-8). PLU has notched some solid wins (Chapman, Corban) and handed away a game (Evergreen), so consistancy and maturity are still a question. Willamette is starting over (V. Wyffles/J. Short sitings? anyone?). Pacific will win a few here and there, because DeeDee Arnell has always had the numbers, but she also seems to have matured and is playing amazing basketball. Whitman seems to have gone soft, but is never easy in Walla x2 and Speer and Shogren-less Whitworth is still going to make every game a game and will beat the 1st team that doesnt respect them.

Enough of the pre-conference mojo...January can't get here soon enough. Merry Christmas (I can say Christmas on this board can't I?) to you all.

-PP
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on December 22, 2005, 01:35:17 PM
P.P.
It seems you have more inside information than the coaches of the NWC--how do you attend so many games?  When I stated polls don't matter---maybe I should  have said---Polls don't win you games---Polls create chatter, which anything that brings women's (or men's) DIII basketball up in a conversation is okay by me.

As for your remarks--interesting, insightful are you sure you don't talk to the coaches and get scoop?  I still say GFU is taking the NWC---PLU will ride defense to 2nd place and 3rd is up for grabs to any team with 5 or less in the loss column?  Agree?   If what you say is correct then.... LC should ask Santa for continued hot shooting, Maybe UPS should ask for defense, Whitman for health and a chip on their shoulders, Linfield for a couple of scorers and Whitworth for all home games----and maybe Pacific for another DD.

Happy holidays
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 22, 2005, 06:45:47 PM
I don't have a sense of all of teams in the NWC like PP, but I have seen most of the Bruin games the last two years.  Injuries are certainly one of those variables that can dramatically impact a team's fortunes during a season.  The Bruin's Karissa Boyd is out for the year with a torn ACL.  The loss of a true point guard like KB who sees the floor so well and for whom assists are more important than points is a difficult obstacle to overcome for any team.  However, the Bruins have a lot of depth and in addition to Tiffany Behary, the starting PG, there are 4 or 5 other players that can handle the ball with their head up and enough confidence to make the offence work.  Still, when injuries occur to key players, rotations have to change and players are sometimes forced out of their most natural positions, so it remains to be seen how her loss will impact this team over the course of the season. 

My own "moderately biased" opinion ;) is that this team is much stronger than they have appeared so far.  If they avoid further injuries (always a big IF), if they stay focused, and if Kim Leith, Erin Powers, and Robin Taylor provide the kind of upper classman leadership that Liz & Kellie did last year, I think (as do the polls) they can play with any DIII team in the nation.  Their defense has been very good, creating multiple turnovers, and their offensive potential is huge if they will play together.

This is a team that has yet to really click offensively (the first WOU game being the exception).  All of them can score (virtually the whole roster) from most anywhere on the court; so they won't be an easy team to stop.  But they'd be impossible to stop if they will add in an extra pass or two.  They are tall, they are quick, and they can jump.  Most of the time they have been tenacious on the offensive boards.  I didn't look at their overall stats but my impression is that they give up too many second chances on the defensive end.

One of the biggest challenges of the year for them might be playing Biola during the upcoming Southern California trip.  Biola has a 6-6 post who apparently can put the ball in the basket.  To start the year they threatened Seattle Pacific and lost a heartbreaker to Central Washington, so we know they can play.  Hopefully, SR and the Bruins will have an answer for the Nigerian, Ogugua. 

I also send Holiday Greetings and a Merry Christmas to all the players, coaches and fans of the NWC.  Enjoy your break, but then let the battles begin!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on December 22, 2005, 10:40:41 PM
Ironically, of all the teams in the NWC, Fox is one i havent seen. The closest i have seen to a Fox hoops game is Kellie Thomas (not sure her new last name) shooting 3 pointers at a half time contest at Corban.

I don't have "more" insider information, but i do get a chance to talk with several of the coaches on a regular basis. The NWC has a really good group of head coaches and assistants, most of them just good people that like talking hoops. How do i get to so many games? Sometimes i am asked to watch a specific game and the other times I just pick one and go. You would be amazed at the conference chatter you can get talking to parents, if you can see through all the bias. SID's are good conversation as well, and there are some awesome SID's in the NWC. You dont have to be Dick Vital to get the scoop on the league, you just have to watch games, talk to fans and let a coach know you enjoyed watching their team play that night. Its a good conference, great players and awesome coaches.

I would agree that you have to pick Fox as the favorite, but again, they have had a pretty easy non-conference schedule (if you go by opponent records) and the things that Liz Clark did last year (so much you dont see in a box score) are hard to replace. Until they are beaten, i wont say anyone is better, but you have to ask yourself if the schedule they play is getting them ready for NWC play. I am sure Coach Rueck will make sure they are ready to go.

L&C's hot start isnt something Santa can control (although he's making a list i hear) unless Coach Fulks has another winter job involving a big red suit. The biggest difference in the Pio's, she has them believing they can and should win games. L&C has been a door mat for several years, even with talent, but now they believe they can win, and are going to put themselves in position for a spot in the NWC tourney. I have yet to meet Coach Fulks, but hope to.

I guess i could write about everyone tonight, but i won't. What i will do is encourage everyone to actually attend a game that your favorite team ISNT playing in. If you put yourself in another gym and don't have team bias on your mind, it is amazing how much you can witness and learn about this conference and it's teams. I have found the overall experience more enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, I have my favorite, my alma mater and my former head coach, but basketball is basketball and we are blessed to live close to an amazing conference. Take advantage of it anyway you can.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 23, 2005, 11:52:35 AM
PP--  "Kellie Thomas Fiegi": Husband is Eric Fiegi (Corban's 6'9", 27 ppg post) and brother in law is Ryan Fiegi (OIT's 16.3 ppg guard).  If you could purchase basketball stock, that family is going to be a definite BUY.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on December 26, 2005, 02:36:06 PM
Quote from: swiss on December 20, 2005, 05:31:39 PM
GFU moved up to number 2 in the WBCA poll behind Washington U.  Seems to me the WBCA has a clearer notion of the top 10 than D3Hoops but, of course, that's debatable.

They have a notion you agree with. That doesn't make it more clear or more correct. :)

We both have west coast voters, different people of course. The WBCA poll has 12.5% of its voters from the Pacific Time Zone, a bit disproportional considering that only about 4% of the Division III women's basketball teams are on the west coast. So you can expect the NWC to do disproportionately better in the WBCA poll.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on December 26, 2005, 02:38:14 PM
Quote from: parklandpride on December 22, 2005, 10:40:41 PM
What i will do is encourage everyone to actually attend a game that your favorite team ISNT playing in. If you put yourself in another gym and don't have team bias on your mind, it is amazing how much you can witness and learn about this conference and it's teams. I have found the overall experience more enjoyable.

This is a great point. This is how I view every game, of course, and it's beneficial to my understanding of Division III.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 26, 2005, 08:00:01 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on December 26, 2005, 02:36:06 PM
Quote from: swiss on December 20, 2005, 05:31:39 PM
GFU moved up to number 2 in the WBCA poll behind Washington U.  Seems to me the WBCA has a clearer notion of the top 10 than D3Hoops but, of course, that's debatable.

They have a notion you agree with. That doesn't make it more clear or more correct. :)

We both have west coast voters, different people of course. The WBCA poll has 12.5% of its voters from the Pacific Time Zone, a bit disproportional considering that only about 4% of the Division III women's basketball teams are on the west coast. So you can expect the NWC to do disproportionately better in the WBCA poll.

Thanks for your response, Pat.  Actually, my thought regarding the polls had more to do with Washington U replacing Southern Maine than anything to do with the NWC.  I know the East Coast is pretty blind to the NWC and that will change only when we consistently put teams in Final Four.  However, It does seem to me that SM getting beat by 10 by a previously unranked team ought to drop them out of first.  Washington U, on the other hand, has beaten a ranked team (DePauw) by 11 and crushed everyone else they've faced.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they do against Lewis & Clark on the 28th.  L&C is certainly the surprise of the NWC this year but I would think that Washington U should win.  They have the coach, the tradition, the current streak... I didn't see how D3Hoops could pass them by while leaving SM in first. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on December 26, 2005, 08:39:45 PM
Wash U beat a ranked team, sure, the current #13. Did you look at who Southern Maine has beaten? The current #5.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 26, 2005, 09:30:38 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on December 26, 2005, 08:39:45 PM
Wash U beat a ranked team, sure, the current #13. Did you look at who Southern Maine has beaten? The current #5.

I'm not sure how helpful it is for either one of us to compare the rankings when it is the rankings that are in question.  But, either way, the issue for me wasn't who they beat (Theoretically, a number one team is supposed to beat a number five, right?), but rather, who beat them, and under what circumstance.  You  probably know the details and maybe if I was able to see SM play I would change my mind; but, in principal, I wouldn't rank a team that lost to an unranked team over a team like Washington U that is still perfect.

Which, btw, I am not.  I noticed after my last post that it was DePauw that is playing L&C in AZ, not Wash U.  I had switched schedules without realizing it.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on December 26, 2005, 09:38:39 PM
Quote from: swiss on December 26, 2005, 09:30:38 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on December 26, 2005, 08:39:45 PM
Wash U beat a ranked team, sure, the current #13. Did you look at who Southern Maine has beaten? The current #5.

I'm not sure how helpful it is for either one of us to compare the rankings when it is the rankings that are in question.

I suppose not, but you used it in your defense of Wash U, so I figured we should compare apples to apples. :)

It's hard to disagree with your last point re Wash U, and I suppose that's why they got seven No. 1 votes. However, simply being unbeaten doesn't mean they are automatically better than any team with a loss. In the end, they are rankings, not standings, so opinion is paramount when there's no head-to-head or common opponents to work with.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 07, 2006, 12:02:50 PM
So do the National Ranking conversations come to a complete stop on the NWC board? I hope so. The bottom line is what you do in conference play is what really matters. If you want to get technical, on games days Fox has faced opponants with a combined 24 - 42 record. At tip off, 3 of the teams and 4 of the games (they played Westner Oregon twice) were 0-3, 0-8, 0-3, 0-7.

Stopping short of kicking the Bruins while they are down, the NWC offers more real quality caliber competition from top to almost bottom than several of the other more nationally recognized conferences. Historically, the non-conferece shcedules NWC teams play are nothing more than feasting on the lack of regional options. 8 of the 9 teams in the NWC this year can get a win against another team not named Willamette. Some of you would argue Pacific wont get a win, I don't agree. Arnall is too good and that to happen. I think they will be primed to cause some trouble when it counts the last two weekends of the season when LC, WM and WHW play in the Grove. If GFU can't pick themselves up after the loss last night Pacific could sneak another one.

No one in the SCIAC would finish in the top 4 of the NWC, Chapman has never had much success against the NWC, and the MIAC is always top heavy, allowing St Ben's, Carleton, and typically Gustavus to bloat their records beating up Augs, Olaf, Hamline, St. Mary's and St. Kate's.

You can't fault Fox for any of this, they are doing what they are supposed to do, come off a good national title run and continue to win (until UPS). Also to their credit, the Bruins are the only NWC team to ever be ranked in the top 5 nationally (holding #1 in 2001) again, until another NWC team caught them (Willamette) in what was really the closest thing to wire to wire conference dominance as the Katie Lacey led Bruins dominated the league all year.

So lets put the national rankings to rest (don't make me break out the #7 Carelton or #4 Simpson references again). Put the USA Today back on the coffee table, skip over the Rankings tab and click to the D3 Posting boards. Grab your rain coat and trusty bleacher cushion and head to the local NWC gym to find out what is really going on.

A loss like this, might make Fox even more dangerous, more hungry. It also gives a UPS team that on Tuesday might have been thinking it is over already, new life and belief they are still very much in it. And as long as teams have to travel to Eastern Washington, there is no automatic winner in this league.

Three big games tonight. Can Fox bounce back at Pacific, Will Whitworth complete the LC East side shut out and the two conference leaders clash in Parkland with a chance for 4-0 on the line.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 07, 2006, 07:55:10 PM
Hey parkland,
kind of a long posting with a great deal of information.  need to check on a couple of things---

did you see UPS vs. GFU  (or swiss did you see the game?)--just curious of your thoughts.

top 5 nationally ranked by who (didn't PLU and UPS get ranked in top 5 by DIII hoops?)

you are correct UPS was out of the race if they didn't bounce back from the loss against PLU---(1-3 start in conference is not going to get you to the top 3)

as far as the SCIAC and MIAC couldn't agree more---but you forgot to write your thoughts on the IIAC--

as far as the other questions
GFU will rock Pacific
both eastside W's will be 2-2
Linfield will once again take a hearbreaking loss at PLU
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 07, 2006, 11:58:08 PM
You know...UPS might have been ranked #4 2 years ago, PLU has never been in the top 5 national rankings as far as i know. I believe #9 is the highest they have been ranked nationally at any point.

Looks like Fox bounced back....havent seen any other scores yet
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 08, 2006, 05:15:56 AM
Quote from: rimshot on January 07, 2006, 07:55:10 PM

did you see UPS vs. GFU  (or swiss did you see the game?)--just curious of your thoughts.

I was there, and it was a painful sight for Bruin fans!  Fortunately, the students weren't back in school yet so the fan response to knocking off a highly-ranked opponent was relatively polite.  The Bruins were obviously not ready for prime time, but not because they lack the talent.  They have more than enough of that (I will admit it was barely recognizable Friday night).  But this team is still young and not yet greater than the sum of its parts.  To really fill out as a team, they will need a clear floor-leader to develop who will hold them together during those stretches when the wheels seem to be falling off... or when the other team goes on a tear.  Both were happening to them Friday.  A coach has only so many timeouts, so every team needs someone (or several "someones") who can elevate and adjust her own game while at the same time calming the nerves and channeling the energies of the other players (e.g. by giving encouragement, providing needed direction, changing the tempo when needed, etc.)  It's a very difficult task but, obviously, teams that have that type of floor-leader always do well.

Not surprisingly, UPS didn't just hear the Bruins were coming and forfeit.  What they did do was shoot the lights out.  They shot the lights out in both halves (68% and 53%).   What the Bruins did in the first 11 games they did not do at UPS (except for the first couple of minutes in the game and a very brief run in the second half).  Their prior success has come because they attack you on defense, force you out of your comfort zone and then capitalize on your mistakes.  Their offense is good because it is multifaceted with lots of firepower, inside and outside, but mostly it feeds off their defensive effort (tipped balls, blocked shots, steals, etc).  They also use their speed well on the offensive boards and chase down loose balls.  But not Friday.  They appeared to play sluggishly, safely, more "behind the ball than in front of it."  They just didn't look like the same team to their fans, and probably not to themselves.

By the way, my impression of the first half at Pacific tonight was similar, although not quite as disappointing.  There were some very good individual efforts.  BUT... in the second half they were back, playing just like they had all year prior to UPS.  It was "team defense" again and it showed.  (They won 69 to 50 after being up by just 1 at the half)

There aren't many opportunities in life to be a part of something really special.   Friday night was a reality check.  It can easily slip away.   And PP is certainly right about the NWC.  Nobody is going to give anybody anything...especially the Bruins.  But, I've been around a lot of basketball in my life, and I still believe in this team (No surprise there, huh?).  It was pretty clear they haven't "found" themselves as a "team" yet... but if they do, it will be a lot more fun than Friday!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 08, 2006, 04:42:32 PM
"as far as the SCIAC and MIAC couldn't agree more---but you forgot to write your thoughts on the IIAC--"

I don't think this is too much different. Basically been the Buena Vista and Simpson show for the past few years, otherwise the rest of this small league is available to bloat your record. I think Buena Vista went 25-3 and 27-3 the past two years, and that is nothing to shake a stick at by any means. They also went 16-0 and 15-1 in conference those years....To give you perspective the best anyone has done in NWC play the past 4 years is 14-2 (2005 GFU). Those two losses came At Whitworth and at home against Whitman. Whitworth finished 2nd last year (and lost both games to 3rd place PLU) and Whitman was 9-7 in conference that year.

PLU finished in 3rd place and lost both games to 4th place UPS, a game to 4th place Whitman and to 3-13 Pacific.

Remember in 2004 when UPS and Whitman tied for the conference title? Whitman lost at UPS and PLU the 2nd weekend of the season, then went on a 9 game winning streak only to get whacked by 7-9 Linfield. The co-champs UPS lost early to 7-9 Pacific, let PLU come into Memorial and steal a win, and split with Whitman to split the NWC title.

Games like that dont happen in the MIAC, IIAC, SCIAC. The top 3 or 4 feast on the bottom feaders and then just focus on getting wins against the other 2 or 3 contenders. Not in the NWC, the bottoms bring it and get wins all the time. I believe it was in 2003 when Whitworth and PLU were battling for the NWC title and #1 seed, and Whitworth had just defended home court beating UPS and PLU on back to back nights. The Pirates flew to Linfield and were blown out by 23 to the 8-8 Wildcats. The Pirates looked like they had let another NWC title slip away until PLU lost at home to 10-6 GFU and at 12-4 UPS to tie for 2nd place giving Whitworth the NWC crown and #1 tourney seed.

6 days later #2 seed PLU would knock off #3 seed UPS in OT, then travel to NWC champs Whitworth for the tourney title game and smoke them in their own gym, earning the National Title bid. Another interesting point. Whitworth's Tiffany Speer was named NWC player of the year twice, was an All-American, had an amazing supporting cast in Shogren and Belic, won the NWC regular season title once, was nationally ranked in the top 25 every year and never once made the national tournament. Not once.....

All this to show, the NWC is one of the best, top to bottom. You can't just go into a game in this conference and expect to win. Already this year, L&C goes to UPS and blows them out, yet UPS defends home and smokes undefeated GFU. LC takes 2-0 to the east side and comes back 2-2. Anyone that thinks the NWC is a cake walk is only kidding themselves, and this battle tested run through the NWC does one thing, it prepares the NWC tourney team for the big dance. FOX, UPS and PLU have all made the Elite 8 and have all been within 1 hoop of the final 4. It hasn't happened yet, but it will.

-PP
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 09, 2006, 05:10:06 AM
#4 Simpson? If you want to go back to Jan. 23, 2000, Simpson was #2.

Of course that was six years ago.  Might be better to let somet things go. :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 09, 2006, 06:48:11 PM
I don't want to let that go. PLU knocked them off and they were a #1 seed...that was a great day for PLU and the NWC...


Live in the glory of 2000
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 09, 2006, 11:01:04 PM
PP, I always enjoy your analysis and your great knowledge of history of the conference. 
I certainly did not enjoy the Bruins getting spanked by UPS, but I do concur with  the thought that this should and probably will wake them up and stimulate a more concentrated defensive team effort.  There cerrtainly are nights when any team can light up the board and make you look bad, but PP does make a good point in regard to the general quality of the preseason schedule potentially not preparing GFU for the NWC.  However, now we are in it, and it would seem that the Bruins do have upper class leadership in some very key spots to help settle and mature an otherwise pretty young team.  Scott also has a history of getting a lot out of his players.  And as predicted and expected, don't forget about the Lutes.                           
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 10, 2006, 01:28:58 AM
I think i am going to see my old friend Ted Wilson Tuesday....I think this is going to be a fun game. Hard not to enjoy a game in one of the best basketball facilities i have ever seen...

See ya there.

-PP (I should have thought my screen name through before people started calling me PP...)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 10, 2006, 02:31:26 PM
Mr. Parkland Pride,
too late.  Besides, PP has such a nice tinkle, er ah , ring to it.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Tuxguy on January 11, 2006, 03:06:06 PM
        As I understand it, there will be a NW conference tourny this year. How many teams will make it in?
        And will they take the tourny Champ and the reg. season champ to nationals? 

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 11, 2006, 08:28:07 PM
There is a return to the conference tournament this year.  The top 3 teams are in the tourney with #3 playing at #2 and the winner playing at #1 a few nights later.  Only the tourney winner gets the automatic bid to the dance.  The conference champion, if not the tourney winner, had better be highly ranked nationally and probably have 3 or fewer total season losses to have any chance for an at large bid.  The NWC has not had an at large bid since we became an automatic bid conference in 2000.  We did have 4 bids when we were still eligible for the pool B spots the year before we became an automatic bid conference.  Perhaps, if they don't loose more than 3 total games, GFU or PLU would have a chance at an at large bid this year, given GFU's high ranking and the success of the NWC in the tournament over the last few years.  PLU, UPS, and GFU have all made it to the final 8 the last 3 years.  Speculation, you had better just win the tourney.  Of course, you have to qualify in the top 3 to get to it first!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 12, 2006, 12:36:46 AM
Forbes is right, the At-large has not been something the NWC has seen since the pool change.

Looking at the over-all records of the NWC today (Jan 11th) I think there are only 3 teams that could possibly secure an At-large bid. Fox, PLU, and UPS simply because of the numbers in the loss column. I am going to apply Whitworth to this scenario to show that an at-large is out of their reach. I think the NWC would be hard pressed to get an at-large bid for anyone over 4 season losses. Just for fun, lets run scenarios for those 4 teams....

Based on this criteria: Said team wins out (excpet loses in the NWC title game). Why would you need the At-large if you won the title game? Also, the season series between the 3 other teams will be counted as a 1-1 split and wins against all other NWC teams. Also, PLU, Whitworth and UPS all have 12 reg season games left, while Fox has 11.  Lets start from the bottom up:

Whitworth: (8-4, 2-2) - If the Pirates ran the table they would end 20-4, 14-2 and have the #1 seed in the NWCT. A loss in the NWCT Game would put them at 20-5 for the season. PLU (19-5)  and GFU (21-4) would be tied at 12-4 in NWC and play the 2/3 game. If Fox won the NWCT they would end 23-4, while PLU 19-6 and Whitworth 20-6 would most likely both be without an at-large. If PLU won the NWCT they would be 21-5, while Fox 21-5 would have a better shot at an at-large than 20-6 Whitworth even though Whitworth won the Regular Season title.

UPS: (10-3, 2-2) - The Loggers run the table and end up 22-3, 14-2 and #1 seed in NWCT. A loss in the NWCT game would put them at 22-4 for the season. PLU (20-4) 13-3 would take the #2 seed and Fox (21-4) 12-4 would be the #3. If Fox wins this NWCT they would end up 23-4 leaving PLU at 20-5 and UPS 22-4. UPS is in better shape than PLU (more wins, less losses and the reg season NWC title). If PLU wins this NWCT they end up 22-4, while Fox stands at 21-5 and UPS at 22-4. Again UPS is in better position record wise as well as claiming 2 Reg season wins against Fox.

See next post...........
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 12, 2006, 01:04:19 AM
GFU (13-1, 4-1) - The Bruins run the table and end up 24-1, 15-1 and #1 seed in the NWCT. A loss in the NWCT game would put them at 24-2 for the season. Whitworth would end up 11-5 so they wont make the NWCT. PLU (19-5) 12-4 and UPS (21-5) 12-4 would tie for #2. If UPS wins this NWCT they would end up 23-5 leaving PLU 19-6 and Fox 24-2. Fox will be Top 10 nationally and will get an At-large. Without 20 wins and with 6 losses, PLU is done. If PLU wins this NWCT they would end up 21-5 leaving UPS at 21-6 and Fox 24-2. Same applies for Fox in this scenario, but UPS would be toast with 6 season losses.

PLU (11-1, 4-0) - The Lutes run the table and end up 23-1, 16-0 and the #1 seen in the NWCT. A loss in the NWCT game would put them at 23-2 for the Season. GFU (21-4) 12-4 would take the #2 seed, and UPS (19-6) 11-5 would be tied with Whitworth (17-7) 11-5. I don't believe overall record is the tie break, loss to lowest conference team is so in this scenario UPS would have a loss to L&C while Whitworth would have a loss to Linfield. Since 6 and 7 losses isnt going to get you an at-large anyway, i won't even apply this scenario to either of them. If GFU wins this NWCT they would end up 23-4 leaving UPS 20-7/Whitworth 17-8 and PLU 23-2 eliminating UPS/Whitworth from any At-large hope.

Some scenarios for thought...have a good evening.

-PP
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Tuxguy on January 12, 2006, 02:24:44 PM
Thanks for the info, One last question. With 3 teams, Is  that how most Conference  tournaments are done? Thanks again!

Good luck to the NWC!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 13, 2006, 10:41:49 PM
11 points in the 1st half...38 for the game....Hello D.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 15, 2006, 12:14:08 AM
Parkland-
How can you do that much math?

Tuxguy-
NWC in my very small opinion should have 6 teams in play-offs but I bet many of the coaches would like 4 teams.

Anyone-
Here is something to ask youself
1) Best 1-2 scoring threat in NWC over the last 5+ years.
2) Best point guard in NWC over the last 5+ years.
3) Best underdog victory
4) Best big tandom

Parkland-
Do the math again after next week when I think all teams will have completed first 8 games of NWC.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 15, 2006, 12:49:54 AM
Here is something to ask youself
1) Best 1-2 scoring threat in NWC over the last 5+ years:
1-Speer/Shogren, 2-Lacey/Doud/Prazeau

2) Best point guard in NWC over the last 5+ years:
1-Becky Franza, 2-Becky Thompson

3) Best underdog victory:
1-Feb 14th 2003 (Linfield 66 - Whitworth 43) 2-Whitman Season ('03-'04)

4) Best big tandom:
None of them played together long enough but.... Vanni/May, Iserman/Berg, Lacey/Cave, Millet/Hahn, Ludwig/Sorenson (Solos: Patula, Wakefield, Bradstreet, C. Johnson, Schwing)

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 18, 2006, 12:31:53 PM
Swiss where are you????
Maybe you are already in the stands waiting for Friday night's showdown between the two teams that will fight it out for NWC conference title, the NWC  tournament title and as we all hope not meet in the 1st of 2nd round of NCAA's.

Hellooooooo
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 18, 2006, 03:38:17 PM
Still here... still waiting for the Bruins to put it all together (and from my standpoint, hoping that this Friday will be the day).  They will need one of their best defensive efforts...and a strong offensive showing.  PLU seems to have very balanced scoring (4 averaging double figures) and a 5th player within a basket.  Fox is deep with talent (although injuries have slowed them some in recent weeks) but they have not spread the scoring around quite as much as they will need to if they are going to exploit the weaknesses of stronger defensive teams.  It looks like PLU has been winning the battle of the boards this season and the Bruins have not... but they'll need to. The Bruins have more blocks & steals, created more turnovers, and have more assists.  The Bruins shoot and make more 3 pointers but the Lutes overall FG percentage is better.   FT % is about the same.  Of course, none of this means much since only what happens on Friday will be reflected on the scoreboard.  And... as I noticed in the paper today, Sacramento (in last place and minus three key players) managed to beat Phoenix (in first place) by 29 or so.  I love Basketball!  It makes perfect sense and no sense all at the same time.  :D

I'm expecting this to be a grudge match following last years nailbiter at PLU that put Fox over the top.  I don't think there is any question this is "the" most critical game of the season for both teams up to this point.  Look for a good crowd, and an intense effort from the Bruins as they face what is sure to be an equally strong showing from the Lutes.  If you can't get up for a game like this one, basketball's not your thing!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrewf on January 18, 2006, 04:13:06 PM
I know I'm looking forward to it, I'll certainly be in the stands.

I see that Fox has about 3 players down with injuries, will it cause a difference?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 18, 2006, 06:19:23 PM
I see that Fox has about 3 players down with injuries, will it cause a difference?
Quote

I'm certain it will make a difference.  I'm just not sure how.  Anytime you lose a piece of the puzzle you have to find a way to compensate.  Some players make an intangible difference, some are more obvious.  Team chemistry can be a fragile balance. 

But, sometimes injuries open the door for someone else to step up and fill the gap (e.g. read the article I alluded to in my last post regarding Sacramento and Phoenix).  I believe there are great games (or, at least great plays) in everyone, just waiting for the right opportunity to be expressed!  We'll soon find out who has the courage to step up and accept the challenge this game offers.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 18, 2006, 07:13:58 PM
Is someone else going to take a stab at Rim Shots questions? I want to see others opinions. Yours too Rim Shot
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 18, 2006, 08:21:17 PM
Quote from: parklandpride on January 18, 2006, 07:13:58 PM
Is someone else going to take a stab at Rim Shots questions? I want to see others opinions.

I don't have the history with this conference that you do PP so I'm at a loss  ???.  I'll just defer to your opinions (and other's) on this one.  But... I'll throw in my vote for the "twins," (Kim Leith and Robin Taylor) for a 1-2 scoring threat.  Kim is as good at 1 on 1 as anyone I've seen and Robin frequently reminds me of the way James Worthy used to fly down the sideline for the Lakers and fill the lane at full speed.  I did see Speer and Shogren a few times though and if I was building a team around an inside presence I'd sure be willing to start with them.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: big_al on January 19, 2006, 06:22:00 AM
I'll take a stab at one of Rimshots questions, unfortuneatly this is only my fourth season of watching NWC play.

I'd just like to throw out there that the biggest scoring THREAT that I've seen was the Duo of Clark and Leith. Speer/Shogren (in the games I saw) were very consistant, But Liz and Kim especially last year when working with a team of building underclassmen, could score at any time on the court, from wherever they chose, whether it be from behind the arc or posting up on the block. I still say that if somehow they would have been able to get some rest, and not gone 40 minutes two nights in a row, there would be an even shinier banner hanging from Miller Gymnasim.
Anyway, enough of my inexperienced thoughts about history, and to the present.
As far as Injuries go, I see it impossible to not effect the Bruins. They've gone from a team that in each of it's first 4 league games, ran a 3 platoon system the first 15 minutes of the ballgame, every 5 minutes rotating in 5 fresh players that hadn't been in yet. This was a huge factor in allowing Fox to press all 40 minutes of the game. Even the scoring stars such as Leith and Taylor rarely saw more than 30 minutes of PT.
One area that injury has clearly effected Fox is with the loss of Karissa Boyd. Losing the secondary point gaurd, especially in a fast pase, press constantly style of play, is forcing other players to step up, into a position that they aren't necessarily familiar with, and unfortuneatly can become adapt overnight.

Here's wishing a swift recovery to any players in the league that are hurt.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 19, 2006, 12:45:44 PM
I don't know who is hurt for GFU but it seems to me every single team has lost a player this year.  At least 4 ACL's, stress fractures things of that nature---it is indeed very very sad but the teams must move forward---I also agree the back to back games the NWC play are very tough on a team--especially with the balance of the league no resting starters.

As for "best" list--
S/S from Whitworth
Kim/Robyn-GFU
Ewart/?-Whitworth

Point guard
Franza pretty darn good

Post
What about that Jenny person from Willamette?

Let's make a new list---best 'undersized' post player
LIZ-gfu
shogren-whitworth
Lizzy-whitman

Best post combo-
you forgot
Straw/May-UPS---pretty good the year they made the NCAA's
Whitworth had a really good post a few years back maybe 8+ strong--can't think of her name at all---any help out there?

Underdog wins
PP--good choices---but you must believe UPS over GFU this season must be a late consideration.
what about the willamette-plu game last year or willamette crushing UPS-when UPS was ranked.

Okay so as Big-al said I too wish for everyone to get healthy again---and I am sure each coach who has a player out wishes that as well.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 19, 2006, 08:00:40 PM
After reading the Fox fans voting only for Fox players and my own vote going to Fox, but from years ago, and Rim Shot breaking out the Ewart/ ? (Jamie Wakefield) vote, i thought i would actually find out who is the best 1-2 scoring punch from the past 7 years. Before i list them from #5 to #1 I will say that it is too early for the Taylor/Leith combo to be on the list and they still have some work to do. This list also wont include NWC POY's Katie Lacey or Erica Ewart or the two programs with the most NWC titles. Note: These numbers are NWC games only, I don't think scheduling Cal Tech or some weak area teams is a good representation of the true ability of the NWC. Common opponants seems like a more fair comparison.


#5 Puget Sound (2005) - Lindsey May/Angie Straw: This combo combined for 31.5 point per game and 49% of the Loggers total offense. May (15.9PPG) and Straw (15.9PPG) finished #6 and #7 respectively in conference scoring. They both relied on high percentage shots finishing the season shooting 50 and 51% from the field. May also led the league in FT attempts with 104, making 88 from the line. Neither player hit a 3pt basket.

#4 - Willamette (2001) - Kelly Sorenson/Heather Ludwig: This inside outside combo averaged 32.5 PPG while leading Williamette as the top scoring offense in the league that year. Sorenson a shooting guard averged a league high 18.6 PPG while Ludwig, ranked #9 at 13.9 PPG. The two accounted for 45% of the Bearcat offense. That Willamette team is best known for their late season upset of national #1 George Fox, and did it without Sorenson who's season ended prematurely due to apendacitus.

3, 2, and 1 to follow.....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 19, 2006, 10:02:39 PM
#3 Puget Sound (2001) - Tina Garrett/Julie Vanni: Somewhat of a forgotten pair as the Loggers started the season 7-1 but finished a distant 4th in the NWC at 9-7 behind Willamette, PLU and Fox. Garrett and Vanni combined for 32.7 PPG. Garrett finished 2nd in the scoring race by only a half point bringing in 18.1 PPG while Vanni finished #7 with 14.6 PPG. The duo accounted for an astounding 51% of the UPS offense. Garrett wasn't in the top 15 in FG% but got to the line more than anyone 119 times, hitting 80% and complimented that with a 38% clip from deep. Vanni got to the line almost 100 times herself nailing 73% from the stripe.

#2 Whitworth (2004) Tiffany Speer/Dani Belic: This is not a typo, that says Dani Belic who stepped up big when teammate Sarah Shogren went down with an injury that kept her out of several NWC games. Of course the anchor of this duo was Speer who tallied 21.1 PPG that season and combined with Belic (13 PPG) made for a deadly combo that torched the league for 34.1 PPG. Their combined average tabbed 51% of the Pirates offense. While Speer walked away with her 2nd NWC POY award, the Pirates finished a disappointing 4th place in the NWC and Speer was actually 2nd fiddle to NWC scoring leader, Pacific's DeeDee Arnall. (Note: Arnall's 21.9 PPG in conferece is the highest season total in NWC's 7 year history)

#1 Whitworth (2005) Tiffany Speer/Sarah Shogren: A year delayed but not to be denied the most prolific scoring duo in NWC history would be Speer and Shogren. In their senior year, Speer (17.1 PPG) the 2 time POY and All American seemed to almost take a back seat to Shogren in the scoring department (18.1 PPG). The two of them used a balanced attack and ripped the NWC for this highest point total by a duo at 35.2 PPG accounting for 55% of Whitworth's offense. Despite one of the most impressive individual careers ever (Speer) in the NWC and the most impressive scoring duo to take the floor,  Speer and Shogren would again be denied a chance to play on the national stage suffering two devistating losses to PLU and allowing Fox to claim the NWC title. With no conference tourney, the Pirates were left to chance with an at-large bid at 22-3, which has to this day never been issued to an NWC team.


On an individual note, Pacific's DeeDee Arnall is on pace to be the first player to ever lead the NWC in scoring 3 straight years.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 20, 2006, 12:18:39 AM
Thanks PP for your research. 

One stunning truth that is inescapable is that none of these "scoring duo's" produced a conference title.  It may go to my point that a balanced scoring attack in which everyone on the floor is capable of putting the ball in the basket is more helpful than a strong one-two punch.  Even Magic and Kareem, Shaq and Kobe, or Michael and Scottie, needed a cast of capable characters surrounding them to produce championships.  Boston and Detroit have multiple championships specifically because they were "team" oriented teams.  Basketball has always been about playing together, making your teammate better by the way you played, seeing to whole court, making the extra pass, etc.  Even average fans know this intuitively.  Listen to the crowd when someone makes a great individual shot.  Then listen to them when someone makes a great assist.  I'll bet it's the latter that raises the roof and gives people chills. 

Individual performances will sometimes win games but very seldom championships.  Good "teams" will sometimes have an off night, but generally they will be the ones celebrating at the end of the season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 20, 2006, 11:54:50 AM
Parkland-

you continue to amaze me with your ability to gather stats, remember names and "do math!" 

swiss-
and that is why at present PLU is the team to beat---check out their scoring totals--- (if in fact GFU has some key players out or their rotation)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 20, 2006, 02:08:24 PM
I have applied to be an SID at two NWC schools in the past 5 years...both times denied....so maybe my memory skills aren't as good as it appears.

As for the math...well you can thank one of the fine NWC academic institutions for that...and the calculator on my lap top.

I would argue that balance scoring (while important) isnt the main factor in winning conference, it is team defense. Check out my supporting artifacts.

Year - Final Standings - Defensive Rankings (PPG Allowed):

2000 - #1 Fox / #1 PLU - #1 PLU (46.3 PPG) / #2 Fox (53.7 PPG)
2001 - #1 Fox / #2 PLU - #1 PLU (47.6 PPG) / #2 Fox (53.7 PPG)
2002 - #1 PLU / #2 Whitworth - #1 PLU (51.1 PPG) / #3 Whitworth (57.1 PPG)
2003 - #1 Whitworth / #2 PLU - #1 PLU (47.4 PPG) / #4 Whitworth (54.7 PPG)
2004 - #1 UPS / #1 Whitman - #2 Whitman (56.9 PPG) / #3 UPS (57.5 PPG)
2005 - #1 Fox / #2 Whitworth - #1 Fox (49.4 PPG) / #2 Whitworth (56.8 PPG)

Defense is the key, scoring is just the iceing on the cake. Anyone want to take a stab at why under Gil Rigell PLU has never finished lower than 3rd place in the NWC? Because 5 of the 6 completed seasons in the NWC PLU has been #1 in team defense. The only year they were not number 1 was 2005 when the finished 3rd, PLU's worst year under Rigell and they still finished 10-5 in conference. In 2000 PLU was also the number one defense in the entire nation.

Best D doesnt always win conference titles, but it sure is a nice foundation to work on.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 20, 2006, 05:02:53 PM
I wouldn't argue with the team defense theory.  Or even claim that balanced scoring is the single most important factor.  My point (and other's) is that TEAMS win championships, not individuals.  I'm not telling you something you don't know, I'm sure.  Great individual talent almost always falls short, if it isn't combined with the more "transcendent" aspects of being a "team."  But, it can be difficult to measure statistically because there are so many variables and some aspects of the game just aren't recorded.  How do you measure encouagement on the floor, or leadership, or intensity, or decision making, or quality of deception (ie. fakes)?  You can approximate it with some stats but alot of this stuff can be pretty subtle. 

You do have to put the ball in the basket to win and lots of easy buckets are born on the defensive end with a steal or a rebound and quick outlet.  Offensive rebounding teams do well too because second chance points are often closer to the basket with the defense out of position.  Balanced offenses do well because it is fairly easy to stop one or two offensively minded players (or let the star get his/her points and shut down everybody else), but much more difficult to stop all five of them. 

Anyway, I wish my best to all the players tonight and hope the game lives up to the hype. (and, of course, that Fox wins!  ;D)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: sunny on January 20, 2006, 10:47:25 PM
I'm listening to the KLAY broadcast of the PLU/George Fox game and ... WOW! ... Going into OT after the Lutes were down 16.  Great game!

And Turner just hit her eighth three ... 78-77 ... and now Taylor answers and its 79-78!

I'm envious of those of you who are at this game in person!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: sunny on January 20, 2006, 10:57:42 PM
Long makes the game-winner with 1.2 seconds left. 85-84 PLU. Wow wow wow!

PS - Many thanks to the KLAY play-by-play man for making me feel like I was three time zones west of where I am!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on January 20, 2006, 11:39:01 PM
Sunny:

I'm right with you on the great job KLAY's guy did.  I was listening from Philadelphia with no connection to either team and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 21, 2006, 02:22:30 AM
Another epic battle between the two premier teams in the NWC. It's one of those games where you wish no one had to lose. There have been some amazing college basketball games between PLU and Fox at Wheeler and this was another one to add to the archive.

Whether you are a Bruin or a Lute or just someone that loves D3 hoops, this was one of the most amazing games to have been at and anyone in the gym should feel lucky to have witnessed the brand of basketball that was played tonight by two Top 25 programs and the two best teams in the NWC. The game was also complimented my some amazing individual accoplishments as well. It had a little of everything.

This is just game one of what will most likely be three between these teams, and as it has been in the past....fasten your seatbelts...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 21, 2006, 03:46:35 AM
As bitter as the pill was to swallow, I have to agree with you PP.  Wow, what an amazing game!  Almost an exact duplicate in reverse of last year's Bruin win at PLU.  It almost seemed like it was meant to be.  PLU played incredibly well down the stretch.   They made every shot they had to with the game on the line.  I was very impressed with their confidence and cool in the final minutes.   Definitely a well coached team.  But, I was also very proud of the Bruins.  Every one of them played well, definitely a solid team effort.  Except for the ending, as perfect a game as you could hope for.  I'm already looking forward to the next one!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 21, 2006, 04:33:22 AM
If anyone would like to see pictures of the Fox/PLU game and get a taste of the atmosphere, paste the following into your web browser:

http://homepage.mac.com/psyhub/PhotoAlbum8.html

Hopefully it will take you to the right place.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 22, 2006, 01:25:02 AM
Props to a solid Lewis and Clack squad that took advantage of several opportunities and beat PLU. The Pios played a consistant game and never let the Lutes put together a major run. The Lutes certainly looked like a team that played an OT contest the night before.

No excuse, you gotta bring it every night in this conference and LC did a good job to capitalize on the opportunity. That program has come a long ways and they have had some huge wins to keep them in the hunt.

NWC 1st half is over....and there is lots more hoops to play.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 24, 2006, 03:31:38 AM
Swiss, thank you so much for the connection of great pictures.  I just got back from a trip to Austria with the ski team, and found some solitude in the Bruin loss through the great discussions and chance to view some pics.  As always, basketball truly is a team game for those teams that win.  It is impressive that PLU routinely hangs around games with their good team defense and will then lay it on you when they start shooting.  I have been watching it from afar for years.  I hope to catch a game in the next few weeks.  Sorry PP, time limitations demand that I watch the Bruins, besides, my GFU son really needs to see the quality of womens play in the NWC, since so far he has been going to the mens games only.  An additional educational opportunity is at hand.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 25, 2006, 12:03:04 PM
I was wondering if there might be any nervous coaches out there?  Looking at the standings and this weekends match-ups it seems that there are some very interesting match-ups that could go a very long way in deciding the top 3 of NWC.  Now I know PPride has penciled in GFU at PLU for the title game--but is anyone else willing to go out on a limb?  Is LC the Whitman of 2 years ago?  Can the Loggers hold them off this weekend?  Will Whitman come alive and win all of its' home games.  Can GFU sweep the W's-a must in order to stay in the race for 1st place and that all important first round bye, considering PLU has two easy wins this weekend. 

So I asked the questions------what are some of your answers?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on January 25, 2006, 12:42:36 PM
From what I've seen over the past few weeks, here's my prediction:

UPS will win it's next 4 games, (L&C, Pacific, PLU and GF).  No one appears to think they are a contender, but I believe this is an error.  They took a pretty bad loss to L&C in their opening conference game, but their other two losses were fairly tight games, and were definitely not "on" games for them.  The team has started utilizing their freshman post, who I don't believe can be stopped by anyone in the conference, and are more consistantly playing team defense. If they play their "A" game, ther's no one in the conference that can stay with them.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrewf on January 25, 2006, 08:33:23 PM
I doubt they'll beat GFU at home...they took GFU by surprise and unprepared on the road.  You can bet Scott won't let that happen again especially at Fox.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 26, 2006, 01:02:02 AM
Quote from: chemguy on January 25, 2006, 12:42:36 PM
From what I've seen over the past few weeks, here's my prediction:

UPS will win it's next 4 games, (L&C, Pacific, PLU and GF). 

Chemguy:  I'm guessing UPS will be 2 and 2 in that stretch.  They are not likely to shoot 60% at PLU or GFU.  There is no question they have an outstanding offense but i don't think their freshman post is an unstoppable weapon or even anyone's primary concern.  Keaton was certainly the one who hurt us, but I doubt Fox is going to give her 13 more unimpeded chances from beyond the arc.  It was also the Bruin's worst effort this year.  Still, UPS really put it to Fox in Tacoma and that has to give them some confidence coming down to Newberg.  It should be a battle.

Since PLU beat UPS in their own house, I would think they have to be the odds on favorite to do it again at Parkland. 

L&C is certainly beatable but they are the ones I would be worried about having thier "A" game.  Apparently, when they are on, they are really on.  They are well coached and are only going to get better. 

I agree that you'll likely take Pacific without too much trouble, but the contenders just can't afford to let down against anybody. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 26, 2006, 12:06:35 PM
Swiss-spoken like a true verteran of the board--so you say UPS 2-2 over the next four games?  What about GFU and PLU and LC?  What record wins the conference and what record gets you the third seed?  First to 13 wins--will earn you the title is my humble guess. 

You said you were at the UPS vs. GFU game---and all of Keatons shots were uncontested?  Is that what you are saying?  You said that GFU was unprepared--I have never known an S.R. team to be unprepared--did you mean that?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrewf on January 26, 2006, 01:37:13 PM
I was the one that actually said they were unprepared.

To be honest I believe there was another major factor.  If I remember correctly it was the first game for GFU after the break.  With the time off I believe that the women were off of their game, just as many of us would be after a break.

If you notice the game after UPS, GFU had trouble scoring for the first half of that game as well before the offense finally got back into a rythym.  UPS came ready to play, GF was still half asleep from the break.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 26, 2006, 03:15:06 PM
Thanks Andrewf for clarifying the quote. 

Rimshot:  Yes, I was at the game.  No, I don't think SR was unprepared.  I do think the Bruins were very flat defensively.  They had just come off a Southern Cal trip and a very tight game against Biola. 

(Which reminds me... I get a little irritated hearing in D3Hoops discussions how the Bruins schedule against non D3 teams somehow taints their record or is an easier preseason path.  I wasn't on the Southern Cal trip but both Hope and Biola are NAIA Div I teams with scholarship athletes competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference with teams like Masters College, Point Loma, Azusa, Westmont, Vanguard, etc.  None of these teams are pushovers, believe me.) 

The Bruins escaped with a close one point win over a very talented team from Biola that included a strong 265 lb, 6'6" Nigerian post.  (Let's see Southern Maine or Scranton take them on, when they are not too busy taking on teams like Husson!)  Fox won that game Mon evening, Jan 2nd, and then after a late flight back, and a short stop in Newberg, headed up to Tacoma to face UPS on Friday eve.  The fact that they were flat physically and emotionally isn't too surprising.  Nevertheless, I'm sure UPS had their own difficulties as all teams do and, if you are going to compete for championships, you have to find ways to overcome the inevitable lags in your energy and enthusiasm.  UPS took full advantage that night, with the Bruins onliy looking like themselves for a brief run in the second half.  UPS shot almost 70% in the first half and 60% for the game so Fox couldn't have been effectively challenging too many shots.  Keaton was 7-13 from 3pt range, I believe.  She must have felt open because I doubt she would have taken that many otherwise.  If they could shoot like that the rest of the way, I think it is safe to assume they will win the conference.  We can't afford to let them and I don't think we will. 

I'm hesitant to predict how Fox will do the rest of the way because I'm too close to the team.  I'll let others do that.  But, it's safe to say that I expect them to win every time they are on the floor.  They have the athletic talent, the coaching staff, the heart, the competiveness, and the basketball skills to do it.  But they each need more than to "want" to win, they have to have the "will," to win every game, as a team.  Win or lose, it's as a team.  If they can get that synergy going, look out.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrewf on January 26, 2006, 08:20:00 PM
Ahh, i'd forgotten about the Cali trip, my apologies. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 27, 2006, 12:57:52 PM
Swiss--my bad---one thing though---any great shooter will take shots--guarded or not guarded--so in defense of all 'shooters' out there---there should always be a hand in their face while they shoot and if there isn't bad defense and if there is--then good shooting.  So I seriously doubt, keaton was unguarded for 13 three(s)---and that is all I will say about that!

I think you are correct about tough schedule in California--and I agree about East coast---but you won't change their minds--so just make sure (I know you can't do this) but anyway Fox just needs to keep winning and show the nation how good they are--same with PLU and UPS---I think this might be the year 2 teams go from the NWC.  Especially with PLU and GFU being ranked---I don't know when regional rankings come out or if they even happen anymore, the use to be published---so if PLU and GFU are nationally ranked I would think they are regionally ranked.

This weekend should be interesting--
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 27, 2006, 08:02:32 PM
I'm not going to argue as to whether a trip from California to Tacoma in one week will cause a loss or not. UPS played a tough Tues night game against their cross town rivals and could have excuses as well. What i might suggest is that Fox is going to stuggle with teams that have solid outside shooters and ball handlers....

They play a zone D and have given up a league leading 163 3pt attempts and teams have taken advantage hitting on 43 of them. Maybe it is worth the chance of letting teams bomb away, but if you do that you run the risk of a Logger team going 11-25 with shooters like Keaton getting off for 13 bombs and making 7. Or Kelly Turner hitting 8 of 14 bombs and letting Anna Sticklin step in an hit two huge 3 balls in the last 5 minutes.

Percentage wise the Bruins aren't the worst at defending the three but their zone style D gives teams plenty of looks and UPS and PLU have kids that can shoot the rock. The main difference between this year Bruins and last years title winning team is Liz Clark. She controlled the middle in ways people dont see in a stat book. She anchored that D and allowed the perimeter defenders the confidence to stay further out on D so they didnt have as far to go on a close out.

Last years Bruins allowed 69 makes on 262 attempts. At the 1/2 way mark of this season, the Bruins are on pace to allow 83 makes on 326 attempts. If they want to sure up their zone D, they need to find a way to keep teams from getting the green light to cast away.....

Fox's defensive success is based of pressure in the full court and clogging the middle. When they play teams like UPS and PLU that have solid ball handlers, can show patience in breaking the press, will work the shot clock and can either shoot the 3 ball or has someone that can panatrate and find the open player (See S. Carnahan's 6 assists and M. Mann's 16 assists) they are going to have a battle on their hands.

With that said, as long as the Bruins dont lose one on the East side, they are too good to lose to anyone else in the league other than maybe PLU or UPS. I think the conference champion will be 14-2 and it will be a tie between Fox and PLU. The UPS at Fox matchup will be a completely different game at Wheeler and the Bruins are the one team that has consistantly won in Parkland. UPS will be the 3 seed (12-4) because L&C won't win on the road at PLU, UPS and Fox. While it will be a close game at Olson, UPS will fall short to the Lutes in the Dome.

Just some humble predictions for the rest of the season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 28, 2006, 12:03:53 AM
Well it looks like the Bruins lost one on the East side...Whitworth gets the W. So i was wrong and right all at the same time...

PLU and UPS win tonight on their home courts.....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 28, 2006, 11:35:17 AM
Hard to tell what happened by the UPS/LC box score--looks like a tough game--and LC held Keaton to just 3 points---PLU looks to coasted to an easy win with tons of people getting minutes--Linfield/whitman looked like a free throw shooting contest--(whitman mostly) and Whitworth/GFU--I don't understand---Kim looked like she tried to bring them back but low scoring for GFU---notice all games winners were in the 60's on Friday. 

Parkland you are giving UPS a 12-4 record---and you said they won't win at PLU or GFU so that means you think they can sweep over at spokane/walla walla--WOW. 

It will be interesting to see what happens tonight in league--tough tough year---you can't just show up---you have to compete and compete hard or pick up the "L"
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on January 29, 2006, 07:42:50 PM
Interesting developments over the week end... GFU drops two to the east side W's. UPS wins both their games ande we now have a 3 way tie for 3rd place. I'm assuming GFU will take a pretty health drop in the polls, PLU will probably rise a bit, and UPS will continue to be ignored.  That will probably change after Tuesday.  From what I saw over the weekend, UPS has succeded in establishing the balance that they need to consistantly win games. In my previous post, I didn't mention Keaton or Carnihan, since I assume most who are watching the NWC understand that they are proved commodities.  What has become apperent is that others on the UPS roster are stepping up, which will cause considerable problems for any team.  It's not just "stop Keaton and you've stopped UPS.  In fact, Keaton hasn't really been scoring that much the past few game, but has definately been contributing in other ways that aren't always obvious from the statistics.
Once again, I predict two more wins for UPS this coming week, and a hard fought battle for the third and final play-off spot over the next few weeks.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 30, 2006, 12:39:36 PM
Rim - Regardless of what happened this last weekend on the East side, I do believe that both UPS and PLU will sweep on the East side. It is never an easy trip over there, so far GFU, Linfield and L@C have all suffered weekend sweeps, but i do believe that UPS and PLU are not only better teams, but match up better against The W's.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, Tuesday night is what really matters. UPS hasnt lost since the last time they played PLU in a hard fought game and they seem to be clicking. UPS got one back from L&C and you know they have that plan in mind against PLU. Going to be a fun game, cross town rival, #1 and #2.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 30, 2006, 01:00:07 PM
Parkland I am not sure UPS matches up well with anyone as they have just the one freshmen post bigger than 6-0.  So, I think match-ups are in favor of Whitman (especially with Laird) back and maybe 50-50 vs. Whitworth.  PLU has the size so I would expect points in the paint. I have always thought that the eastside trip determines the NWC championship.  Don't know if the stats will prove that out. 

But---I am getting too far ahead--great match-ups that could help clear up the top 3 of keep 7 teams still in the race. 

PLU will play that stiff, physical defense, big size advatage which usually means cleaning up on the glass. PLU doesn't give up any easy points--will UPS respond or play soft.

GFU-must win 2 and they have UPS on Friday--big revenge game.  emotions will be high for Kim and the gang.
The Whits travel to Willamette and LC--will they split or will one of them sweep?
Linfield will get a W this week (could it be against PLU?)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 30, 2006, 06:53:37 PM
UPS combats their inexperienced post with the rotating zone D. They also force time off the shot clock with their press and dont allow teams to get set up without burning time.

Maybe they dont get a lot of 1/2 court looks in the paint, but their offensive success is getting out on the break and getting penetration for the drive and bucket or drive and dish. Even in the 1/2 court set, UPS loves to drive or come off the screen catch and shoot.

I think UPS's two losses were due to vulnerability in the middle. Did their most recent win over L&C demonstrate their ability to adjust? The box scores from the last two games with the W's showed that most of the points were given up in the paint, but the Loggers prevailed. Against Whitworth turnovers were a major difference in UPS favor. Against Whitman the Loggers buried them from deep.

Don't sell the Loggers short....even with their NWC record on the East side is 5-7 the past 6 years.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on January 30, 2006, 08:13:19 PM
I really have to agree with Chem on this one. I look for UPS to "upset" PLU tomorrow night due to PLU's inability to defend inside. The big freshman girl will hurt them unless PLU's freshman can avoid foul trouble.

And contrary to what rimshot says, PLU gives up way too many points inside. I think UPS wins two games this week and goes on to secure the league title.

If I'm wrong, I'll go back to sweeping floors for a living.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 31, 2006, 01:19:04 AM
I do find it a little intersting that everyone seems to be talking about PLU's inability to defend in the paint. Now I do agree that defensively, that is where PLU is weakest and where L&C was really able to do the most damage.

I do think that if UPS is going to get the win against PLU it is going to have to start in the paint, because the Lutes perimeter D is the best in the NWC and Nikki Johnson is the single best defensive playing in the league.

And while the box scores do indicate that Karen Chase is starting to get more involved in the UPS system and seems to be finding her grove on the score board and the glass, here is one glaring statistic from the last PLU/UPS game....

Points in the paint-PLU 42,UPSW 28

UPS plays a zone D and was outscored by 14 points in the paint the last time they met. It might just be a completely different story Tuesday night, but it wasnt that long ago in which the Loggers were abused on the inside. It is also worth pointing out that the 3 PLU posts, Buskingham (1), Long (2), and Richardson (1) were never once in foul trouble while two of them logged 35 minutes.

Just some statistical references in case the conversation was leaning toward gut feelings....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on January 31, 2006, 12:57:15 PM
Parkland and others--

Okay points in the paint---doesn't mean it was easy points--but I think it was pretty easy for PLU to score on the Loggers. 
UPS must play big on the defensive end  if they expect to get a W at the house of black/gold.
Johnson the best defender in league-- not sure if I agree there. 
Starters are different for UPS now--according to stats. 
Parkland have you watched UPS play?  I think you might be incorrect on what defenses they are running.
As for nobody in foul trouble--typically few fouls are called by officials in BIG games--and that is an advantage for the more physical Lute team.
Still UPS is the underdog---as always going in to this game. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on January 31, 2006, 01:36:06 PM
When UPS played PLU last time, they had one of their poorest defensive efforts this season, giving up points in the paint due to failure of off side help arriving for the lob inlet pass.

They have corrected that situation over the past few weeks, and the defense is now quite solid.  There will be no easy points in the paint, just ask Dee Dee if she had any easy points last weekend against UPS.

The "new" starting line up is undefeated. Craven and Hurst are really starting to add to the outside/driving offense, and no one is going to get easy points off Chase inside.

I think it will be a great game, but UPS should win by less than 10 points.  I'm looking forward to this match-up.

I think we're going to see this final for the season:

1. UPS
2. PLU
3. L&C

I'm not going to hazard to guess on how the NWC play-off ends up at this point.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 31, 2006, 07:25:47 PM
Rim-

I have seen UPS play. Against Evergreen State and against PLU. At that time they played a zone press and fell back into a zone. I will admit i haven't seen them since, they doing something different?

While we are talking about it, if Nikki Johnson isnt the best defensive player in the NWC, who is?

I love the bold predictions from Chem...L&C as the 3rd seed...interesting.

Wish i was there to see the game tonight...guess i will just read about it online
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on January 31, 2006, 10:45:07 PM
Well it is all tied up. This is going to be a fun finish. Good win for the Loggers. I can only go by what i heard on the radio and see on the box score. Lets see...

UPS out rebounded the best rebounding team in the league by 10. Looks like because of that UPS got 20 more shot attempts which is a pretty significant stat. Only 23 total fouls in the game, and UPS only getting to the line 5 times. Nice to see the officials let them play.

Well dang, the Loggers are playing some good ball. Looks like we have a NWC fight on our hands and it is in Tacoma. Losses are to L&C at home, both got one on the others home court...Loggers 17-3 (9-2) PLU 16-3 (9-2). Both have to travel east, both still have to play Fox.

Someone said they thought UPS would go 4-0 in the stretch against L&C, Pacific, PLU and Fox. 3-0 so far...that would be a pretty impressive feat. Think i might just go and watch that UPS/Fox game.

Nice win Loggers....the NWC remains exciting.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 01, 2006, 09:39:38 AM
It looks to me that the differnce in last night's game was rebounding. The Loggers pulled down 16 offensive rebounds (to PLU's 5) which adds up to a lot of second opportunities. The PLU post players had a combined 7 rebounds (all by Long) whereas the UPS guards had over 20. Either the rebounds were coming off long or someone was getting out hustled.

The Loggers are on a roll. PLU needs to respond quickly to avoid another crash and burn finish. They could conceivably lose out.

Momentum favors UPS.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 02, 2006, 01:06:30 PM
PLU will not lose out---too many good athletes---N.J. can carry that team on the offensive end---if Mann continues to have back problems--they will need someone to take over pg duties--Turner?

GFU-could win out the way their schedule is set up---all home games except at PLU---I think GFU schedule has them playing the bottom of the NWC, besides UPS and PLU--I could be wrong--I just glanced at NWC schedule.

UPS-bad schedule--at GFU then at the W's who each had weekend home sweeps.  The next road games will determine UPS' fate.

Whitman/Whitworth/LC--this weekend determines who stays in the race.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on February 02, 2006, 04:06:30 PM
Rimshot,

I agree with most of what you say, I anticipate that PLU will lose only one more game (L&C) and will finish Conference @ 13 - 3.

While UPS does have a tough snext 3 games, I believe they will win them, and win out and will finsh Conference @ 14 - 2.

GFU will lose only 2 more games, (UPS & PLU), and will finish Conference @ 10 - 6.

Whitworth will lose 3 more games (L&C, UPS & PLU) and will finish Conference @ 9 - 7.

L&C will lose one more game (GFU) and will finish Conference @ 11 - 5.

Whitman will lose 4 more (L&C, PLU, UPS & Whitworth) and finish Conference @ 7 - 9.

Based on these outcomes, L & C would play @ PLU, winner to play UPS for the automatic berth. 

You're right, this week end and next will be very telling.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 02, 2006, 05:31:02 PM
Chem -

Why do you think PLU's loss will be to L&C versus games @Linfield, @Whitworth, @Whitman, and vs. GFU? What is it about L&C that makes you think they will lose to them?

Just to play devils advocate, what makes you confident UPS will sweep on the East side? You know me, I want reasons, stats, match ups that make you think that will happen.

A real concern for PLU should be the condition of Mallory's back. She is their floor general and while Gibbs is a nice PG, Mann runs that team. Could be a major blow to the Lutes if they can't get some others to step up.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 02, 2006, 09:00:12 PM
I predict the race will be closer after this weekend. Come Saturday night, UPS and PLU will both be 9-3 and George Fox and Lewis and Clark will both be 8-4. Here's why:

1. I know Fox is having their internal problems, but I think they will pull their act together enough to survive the UPS visit. They won't take them for granted and I don't think they will allow Kitty Keaton to go off on them again like they did in Tacoma;

2. Linfield always plays PLU tough. Their quickness and general style of helter skelter play always affects the Lutes' performance. With Mann injured and maybe even not playing this weekend, PLU simply will not be able to stand up to the pressure they will encounter. They do not have an adequate back-up PG;

3. Lewis & Clark doesn't have the best talent in the league but they have the top coach. That young gal gets more out of her talent than anyone in the NWC and I look for them to sweep the Whits this weekend to stay even with Fox.

This will make next week's Eastern swing huge for the two Tacoma schools at the top of the heep. The question is who will survive?

I'll answer this question next week.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 02, 2006, 11:03:38 PM
kibitzer---you can't change your mind on predictions---you said UPS wins two this week now you say the lose at GFU.  Which is it? 

Someone said PLU could lose out but now they are in the play-offs? 

The race is going to come down to the final Saturday---and tie breaking rules for seedings----

Swiss and Andrew if you can't log  on after your team takes 2 road L's then you can't log on after they sweep this weekend...no smack talking after this weekend---take your 2 wins and be a good fans and no trash talking UPS or Pacific---it takes a bold 'poster' to talk during a losing streak.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 03, 2006, 02:43:49 AM
Quote from: rimshot on February 02, 2006, 11:03:38 PM

Swiss and Andrew if you can't log  on after your team takes 2 road L's then you can't log on after they sweep this weekend...no smack talking after this weekend---take your 2 wins and be a good fans and no trash talking UPS or Pacific---it takes a bold 'poster' to talk during a losing streak.


Ahh... you knew I was out here lurking, Rim.  It seems to me that the Bruins now have the rest of the league right where they want them—licking their chops and thinking that the self-destruction that characterized this team in January is their true character.  Maybe they've out "foxed" everyone!

I suppose we'll all find out Friday night.  I'm reminded of Bob Sundvold's quote:  "Basketball is a game that gives you every chance to be great, and puts every pressure on you to prove that you haven't got what it takes. It never takes away the chance, and it never eases up on the pressure."

Admittedly, the Bruins haven't handled the pressure well this past month.  But I still think they have what it takes; and they have six chances left between now and Feb 18th to remind themselves how fun it is to play basketball and win.  I'm looking forward to some "Bruin Magic."

My predictions w/o comment for now (or justification, sorry PP):  PLU 13-3; UPS 13-3; Fox 12-4; L&C 10-6; Whitworth 9-7; Whitman 9-7. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 03, 2006, 09:43:57 AM
kibitzer---you can't change your mind on predictions---you said UPS wins two this week now you say the lose at GFU.  Which is it?

• I changed my mind after talking to some friends connected with the Fox program. I think they have worked out their internal issues and are ready to make a strong finish. 

Someone said PLU could lose out but now they are in the play-offs? 

• That was me. It was not a prediction, but rather a comment. I stand behind it given the health issues PLU is facing.

I would love to see tonight's game at Fox. I hope someone will have a report. It could be a wild one.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 03, 2006, 11:42:52 AM
Swiss-
I am proud of you--good form, although it is Friday and it took you a week or so to come back to us. 

Everyone--isn't it great to have the tournament again.  Now Fox gets hot and can still be in the race and win the tournament and get an NCAA bid.    PLU can get Mann healthy and make the tournament and win the tournament and get an NCAA bid.  LC works some magic in the next few games gets a 3rd seed--upsets the 2 seed and plays #1 but won't make it happen.  UPS takes 3 of there next 5 games, makes the tournament but has to play GFU at GFU or PLU at PLU--ouch. 

Wait--that is too many teams in the tournament---OH that's right---now I remember it should be a 4-count it four team tournament!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 03, 2006, 01:13:02 PM
Thats an important thing for the teams to remember, that NWC tournament leaves life in teams for a while. The regular season champ hasn't always won the NWC tourney title either...

So much basketball left to go, anything can happen.

I gotta get to GFU tonight and check that game out...should be another good one
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on February 05, 2006, 01:04:42 AM
PP,
Hope you made it to the GFU game Friday. It was quite a defensive battle.

Well, now we have a 4 way tie for the all important 3rd spot in the conference.  Unfortunately, I think Whitworth and Whitman will drop both games this week end, and be out of the race.  The interesting game to watch will be GFU vs. L&C. The winner of that game has a pretty good shot at the 3rd playoff spot.

If L&C brings pressure defense, they should win, as is evident looking at GFU record against tough defense. I have no idea how this one will turn out.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 06, 2006, 11:32:13 AM
Tough week ahead in the NWC--no such thing as home court advantage last week as the visitors took 7 out of 9 games.  Anyone notice the scores this week?  Or maybe I should write the lack of scoring this week?  It seemd no one could score---except DeeDee.

Will the visitors take control again this week. Will there be scores in the 60+  Can anyone stop the roll Whitman is on, now that they will play the top 2 teams in Walla Walla. All of the 7-5 teams are hoping for the Tacoma teams to fall flat.  Are the Loggers and Lutes up to the task---does the result of this road trip decide the NWC title?

Who takes 2 this week, besides Fox?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 06, 2006, 01:06:46 PM
Does anyone know what Whitman is doing on the Defensive end? All of a sudden their steals and forced turn overs have jumped way up...anyone know if they are pressing or doing something different on the D end to force all these turn overs?

Might explain their better play, although against UPS and PLU i don't know if pressing really makes a huge difference, both seem to handle the press well anyway. Was just curious since i havent seen Whitman play yet.

They seem to love this late season surge method.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 06, 2006, 04:43:22 PM
So... essentially the NWC fans get to watch four teams battle for third and the opportunity to play in Tacoma.  It's not what I (or most Fox fans) expected but the drama is incredible.  It should make for some intensely fought games over the next couple of weeks. 

The Bruins are the Jekyll and Hyde team this year.  They can dominate or they can collapse (physically or mentally), sometimes in the same game.  Confidence is such a big factor in this sport and clearly the Bruins have had theirs shaken.  If they can't find it again, and hold on to it from tip to buzzer, then their season will be shorter than they planned. 

I'd say UPS and PLU have peaked at the right time and should finish no worse than 13-3 (although PLU has the tougher schedule and could drop to 12-4 while UPS could finish out their easier schedule with all W's). 

Of the remaining four contenders, I think Fox has the advantage in schedule, followed by either L&C or Whitman, and then Whitworth.  Of the four, Whitman is probably playing with the most confidence following the last two weeks.  However, all things being equal, the Tacoma Duo should win in Walla Walla.  That would potentially drop them to 9-7 at the end of the year.

Whitworth has an uphill battle with their schedule but they play tough at home (10-0) and meet both Tacoma schools there.  But then they would have to beat Whitman at Walla Walla, and DeeDee in her final collegiate game.  She might be determined to go out with a win.  I'm guessing an 8-8 finish for the Pirates.

Assuming Fox beats Linfield at home (Jekyll or Hyde?), the critical game for L&C and Fox will be Friday in Newberg.  If Fox can hold serve, then they get another shot at PLU before a possible tournament game.  If L&C would win, they have to finish out their season on the road at PLU and try to pull off another upset.  For the sake of argument I will put Fox no worse than 10-6 and L&C at 9-7.

Of course, it's all up for grabs to whichever of these six teams want it the most.  The ultimate Champion will play with confidence, intensity, intelligence, and teamwork.  They will defend, rebound, execute, set the tempo, push the other team to their limit, and all the while maintain their cool!  Who's it going to be?  Who wants to keep playing basketball?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 07, 2006, 12:04:55 PM
Swiss,
Your last comments are very insightful. 

But, I am not sure the Tacoma duo is all that at ease with having to go eastside and try and take 2-0.  The W's are playing 16-1 home basketball right now--and clearly each teams scores better at home than on the road. Plus, Whitman finally seems to be in the swing of things and healthy--they are believing again for this last run at play-offs.  Afterall they were picked to place 2nd this year.

I totally agree with you about Fox---they are in control of their own play-off fate.  They can have new life---just get to the NWC tournament and win the darn thing---then everyone is happy with their teammates.

I don't think the Lutes or Loggers have done well over the mountains over the last few years---someone had said the Logger record but I don't remember it.

Again the league is fantastic and after all is said and done---let's all hope 2 NWC teams get to go dancing at the end of the regular season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on February 07, 2006, 12:49:24 PM
Rimshot, Your right about not being excited  about going east but nobody ever is. I wish we would get two teams in but as I see it the only way that might happen is if PLU and UPS win out and they decide to take the loser of the conference tournament. Everyone else just has way to many losses. Great conference and man what a finish its going to be. There are six teams with a shot at the nationals with four games left. Good luck to all!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 07, 2006, 08:09:40 PM
Reply to Swiss who says "So... essentially the NWC fans get to watch four teams battle for third and the opportunity to play in Tacoma"

> I still think PLU is capable of losing out. First, it doesn't sound like their PG will be back which really handicaps them. Second, I don't see how they can survive the Eastern swing this weekend given the home record of the Whits, and third, Fox will have revenge on their mind when they visit Tacoma next week. As for L & C, well..they already have pinned a loss on the Lutes.

PLU managed to beat Linfield but then the Wildcats are finished anyway and probably played without much desire.

I think PLU could be 10-4 after this weekend and just trying to hang on to third place which will probably result in a tie.

The Whits have to look at this weekend as an opportunity. The one who can upset UPS will have a decided advantage in the event of a tie down the road.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on February 07, 2006, 11:09:05 PM
GFU just sqeaked one by Linfield. They will almost certainly beat Willamette, then it comes down to L & C and PLU.  Let's give them the benefit of the doubt and say they win out & end up 11-5.  Following that line of reasoning:

L&C should win against Pacific and Linfield, and let's say they beat PLU, they also end up 11-5.

PLU, who has the worst schedule (Whiman, Whitworth, GFU and L&C).  Let's say they win only one of the W's, and end up 11-5.

UPS will lose at most 2 games, so let's say they loose both eastern Washington games, (I personnally think they will win out). That leaves them 12-4 and 1st place.

Whitman and Whitworth will play each other, so who ever looses that game is out.  Assuming the winner of that game win out, they would have a record of 11-5.

So, it's somewhat possible that we'll have a 4 way tie for 2nd place.  Anyway you slice it, the championship game will be in Tacoma, but everyone's still in it until after this weekend.

Again, my prediction:
1. UPS
2. PLU
3. L&C
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 08, 2006, 12:30:20 AM
Chemguy, the only thing grossly wrong with your scenerio is that L&C will have 6 losses if GFU beats them at home which would put them out of the tie.  However, you may be giving my Bruins too much credence, given the way they are playing.  They have clearly gone from the outstanding team in the conference to a lower upper echelon team.  Hopefully, from my standpoint, they can quickly find a way to get team back in the team and return to the early season form that had them ranked as high as #4 and that allowed them to cruise over Linfield by 20 last time in Linfield vs squeeking out a 1 point win at home. 
If either of the W's win vs UPS this weekend, GFU loses in any tie breaking scenerio, except possibly with L&C if we win at home with them and have a sweep.  GFU almost has to win out to have a reasonable shot, unless both W's get swept this weekend.  Not likely given history and how they are playing.  GFU is somewhat of a longshot right now given their recent play and the fact that they have yet to beat one the leaders.  Given that, and the W's schedule this weekend, your L&C pick may not be that bad, except they also have to play at PLU.   Maybe Whitman, given their home shedule.  It really will be an exciting end to the season, and I remain optimistic that Scott can get the Bruins out of the doldrums.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 08, 2006, 12:49:32 AM
Kibitzer

Did you just say PLU managed to beat Linfield? By 35....that doesnt sound like they "managed" it sounds like they "did". But of course that is only because Linfield is out of it and they didn't really want to play Saturday night? Right....???

Did you see the game and how PLU played and what they did to win in such blowout fashion? Or how well Trinity Gibbs played as the new starting PG or how PLU got back to what they do best, play D and rebound the ball?

I find it interesting how you phrase that, "PLU is capable of losing out" as if soon enough their luck should run out and they should get back to playing the PLU style of basketball which is losing in tough games. That while it should be expected that Whitman and Whitworth will beat PLU this weekend the one school that could pull and upset over UPS would have a decided advantage.

Other than UPS's current win streak, what is it that makes them so much more of a prized win or more difficult opponant than the team they currently share first place and a city with? UPS is rolling, no doubt and their current 9 game winning strek is impressive, but other than being surpirsed to see PLU manage to win at Linfield and decide they are capable of losing this weekend, give us some real reasons as to why UPS will win this weekend and PLU wont. History, matchups, styles...something....

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 08, 2006, 01:10:35 AM
Here are some reasons why I think PLU and UPS will win both this weekend:

PLU is 7-5 on the East side last 6 years and the only NWC with a winning record at the W's. UPS (5-7) is the next best.

"Whitman is healthy" - Not sure what that means since the starting 5 and key reserves that are playing now are the same that played when they were swept in Tacoma.

Defense - How do you beat teams on their home court that shoot 10% better on average? You have the top two team D's come to town. Along with that they are the top two scoring offenses in the league. PLU also brings with it the best defensive player in the league in Nikki Johnson.

Style - Whitworth is a guard oriented offense which plays into the defensive strengths of both UPS and PLU. UPS might have an even more complete package as they have tightened up in the paint, the area they were once weakest. The W's scoring margins also doesn't leave a great deal of room for error and if both the Lutes and Loggers have it clicking on both ends of the court it will be hard to keep up.

Players - This isnt the Speer/Shogren show anymore and while Whitman boasts the most recognizable starting 5, UPS and PLU are boasting the two front runners for POY in Carnahan and Johnson (sorry D Arnall) and both have a better overall cast.


The major questions: (UPS) While UPS has the 2nd best record on the East, it is still just 5-7. True, but 5 of those losses where when UPS was on the down. Their 9-7 NWC team from last year and back in 2000 when UPS was 3-13. UPS has lost only 2 times on the East side when it meant something.

The major Questions: (PLU) The loss of Mallory Mann. Any time you lose your floor general and school assist record holder you wonder how you might recover. Enter Freshman Trinity Gibbs. While she wont create the pure shot opportunities Mann did for her team, Gibbs is a solid defensive player and plays a control style game. The Lutes have won all year without relying on Mann as a major scoring option, yet Gibbs adds something new to the position, a shooter. The Lutes can also look to Kelly Turner to bring up the ball and saw Anna Sticklin step in at the PG spot on several trips up the floor.

Anyone else have thoughts on how the Tacoma's will do in the east?

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on February 08, 2006, 01:58:43 AM
What a conference and what a weekend.

PLU will be fine  no matter who  their point guard is. The game agianst Linnfield gave the two young point guards a chance to get their confidence up. Turner has started for four years and was a big part of the upset victory of Whitworth her freshmen year as was Anna S. who I believe scored 18 while playing less than half of the game. Nicky is a veteran player even though she is new to PLu. Z and Trish also are veterans who have been to war on the east side several times.  Then there are a whole list of young players who have had their moments this year. I don't think the Lutes are thinking about blowing up or making the nationals. They are trying to win or share in the regular season championship so they are still focusing one game at a time. Was it luck that PLU came back on Fox from 16 down at Fox? Was it luck that they beat UPS at UPS? I personally like their chances on the eastside this year. Its been a struggle for the past 3 years and the team has won some big games east and lost some big games there also. I think this team is mentally strong and will be ready come Friday night. Maybe if the Lutes pull this out some of you might show some respect (and you know who you are). Having a 17-3 record beating Fox on their court and UPS on their court sure has not  earned them much respect on here.  

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 08, 2006, 02:35:13 AM
PP-

Yes, I said PLU "managed" to beat Linfield, ie managed to win without their point guard which is an accomplishment when you consider the first score between these schools when Mann was healthy.

Linfield "managed" just 11 field goals in 62 attempts (14 more than PLU) which isn't going to result in many wins.

The PLU player's name is Gibbons, not Gibbs.

Without Mann, PLU has to be the underdog in any game from here on out, especially on the road. This is why I say they are capable of losing four straight.

History means nothing. This is a new year and new players. The Whits have home court advantage, a good record at home this year, the guard play to capitalize on Mann's absence, and excellent coaching. That's why I think PLU is in danger of stumbling twice.

And I agree that while Arnall may be the league's most outstanding player, Carnahan is the front runner to win POY honors. She has been UPS' best player all season and leads the Loggers in both rebounding and assists from her PG position.

Just my opinion. No disresect intended.

And while I'm at it, I sure like the job the L & C coach has done with her team this year.








Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 08, 2006, 11:47:51 AM
Wow, I see things have really picked up on the board--must be a big weekend.  I am not sure where to begin---I am not sure if I can reply to all in the same order things were said. But here are some replies.

I haven't a clue what (ghr) is talking about not respecting PLU--hogwash how can you not respect a team that has done what they have done over the last few years.

PLU-won't lose out---do you really think Kelly and company would let that happen.

Healthy again--according to box score Laird played again for Whitman---that means everyone was back for those 2 games--and Lizzy's elbow doesn't seem to be impacting her as much.

UPS-what makes them so special---and what do they have going besides a 9 game conference winning streak---HELLO did you listen to your questions?

PLU-winning at GFU and winning at UPS----HELLO again---UPS winning at GFU and winning at PLU.

POY-coaches pick them----players decide them---
COY-coaches pick them---players decide them---

GFU-don't be sly about them (get it?)----they should not be overlooked.

W/W-are sitting and waiting for the Lutes/Loggers to come to own--they have no fear---they have great fans---they have great teams when they are wearing white uniforms.

Bottom line---don't take things personally on this board and don't say things personally---it takes away from the fans based chatter that should be funny (PP- and for you stat based chatter).  We all know we have our
favorite teams.

2nd bottom line---which coach can have their teams ready to go on the eastside?  who can manage to get a split, or sweep......or will one get swept?

I am sure I forgot something---ohhhh yes, LC---watch-out.  Wouldn't want to play them in the 2 vs. 3 game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 08, 2006, 02:43:48 PM
Speaking of tie breakers, kind of, since the whole board is looking at trying to predict how these next 4 games will evolve and who will be in the highly missed and long awaited playoffs: Does a 3 or 4 team tie first get broken down by games between all of those teams, IE. an expanded head to head scenerio}.  No English teachers are allowed to comment on that last sentence.  I am too old to accept the criticism in a graceful manner consistant with the operating principles of this board!!
I would assume that would be the case, eliminating teams until the tie couldn't be further broken and then relying on the strength of teams beaten tiebreaker.  Would we be back to the coin toss eventually if nothing else broke the tie?  Bah Humbug!  I am sure Parkland {in deference to PP sensitivity} can answer this one in his sleep.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 08, 2006, 03:00:03 PM
Arforbes:  Good question to ask right now.  Here is what I found on the NWC website.

6.1.2 In case of a tie in the regular season Conference standing affecting
post-season advancement, tie shall be broken by:
1. Head to Head competition in conference games only
2. Results against all teams above those tied in conference games only
3. Results against above teams in rank order in conference games only
4. Order of losses beginning with the 9th seed and moving up to the tied teams
5. Best conference road record
6. Sempert System in conference games
7. record versus non-conference common opponents at a common site
8. Pre-arranged draw by Athletic Directors at the fall meeting
Tie breaking procedure to be used to break all ties including ties for 1st
place. (Adopted January 2005)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 08, 2006, 03:49:17 PM
swiss-

In the event of a tie between UPS and PLU, my understanding is that a coin flip will take place to determine the #1 seed since they lost to the same 2 teams. If memory serves me, a coin was flipped a couple of years ago (maybe 3) to break a tie.

I doubt it will come down to this but it could. If a coin is tossed I would then make PLU the favorite based on momentum.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 08, 2006, 04:28:34 PM
Quote from: Kibitzer on February 08, 2006, 03:49:17 PM

In the event of a tie between UPS and PLU, my understanding is that a coin flip will take place to determine the #1 seed since they lost to the same 2 teams. If memory serves me, a coin was flipped a couple of years ago (maybe 3) to break a tie.


I believe that was one reason why they adopted the new rules in Jan 05.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 08, 2006, 04:45:20 PM
Rimshot:  Take a long, slow, breath... you are going to hyperventilate!  ;D

It is exciting though... all this activity on the board after a year of relative silence.  But we are in the build up to what every fan of every team hopes for.  The opportunity to play for a championship... to be recognized for all the hard work, all the preparation, all the investment of time and talent and energy.  Six teams in the NWC have a shot.  I think the great thing is that at this point each of those six teams still control their own destiny.  If you win... you go on!  If you lose, you may have to rely on someone else to help you go on.  That is not a good position to be in. 

For the games Fri., I still think the Bruins and Pios is the game to watch.  Neither can really afford to lose.  They both face PLU on the road in their remaining games. 

The PLU/Whitman game will be significant in that it will show if PLU is vulnerable.  As with any game, on any night, either team could win, but I still think PLU will prevail. 

Playing in the Fieldhouse at Whitworth is never a picnic.  Shooters can have difficulty with depth perception since their baskets are set quite some distance from the backdrop and the ceiling is so high.  So the venue gives the Pirates an advantage, but I would say their advantage stops there.  In my view, UPS is a much stronger team this year than Whitworth.  Again, anything can happen in this league, but I think UPS will take care of business.

The games Sat. will obviously be affected by the games Fri.  Teams with big wins, OT's, injuries, etc., will obviously impact a team the following night.  On top of that is travel, fastfood, hotel beds, etc.  It wears on teams and the Tacoma teams may be more vulnerable that second night.  If PLU is emotionally flat and has a poor shooting night at the Fieldhouse, they could be picked off by Whitworth.  Not likely, but possible.  If UPS doesn't maintain their focus, then Whitman, which is well supported by their fans, could pull off an upset. Again, not likely, but possible. 

Now, the Pios vs the Boxers.  This one is hard to predict for me.  The outcome of the game against the Bruins will certainly play a role in the Pio's motivation.  A close loss, a close win, a big loss, or a big win... each outcome will likely produce a different level of intensity the following night.  The Boxers have nothing to lose and will probably be pretty loose, and hungry to play a spoiler role in someone else's season.  After all, misery loves company!  :-[

Which brings me back to why I think the Bruins and Pios have the most important and dramatic game of the season on Friday.  The winner should separate themselves from the pack and put the pressure on everyone else.  If the Pios win, the Bruins only real hope will be to beat PLU in Parkland, while waiting to see if L&C will fail there.  The reverse is true for the Pios, but they have to beat Pacific and Linfield as well. 

The Bruins still look like they are in an identify crisis.  They may have forgotten who they are.  And, I don't mean that in an arrogant sense.  I just mean that each of them are outstanding players with significant skill.  I've seen them in many different games and situations and I know how capable they are.  But, in watching them lately, THEY seem to have fogotten how capable they are.  They sometimes remind me of a fighter who has been hit really hard and stands there stunned, unable to defend herself.  They always do best when they take their game to the other team.  I'm hoping we'll see again this year the fire in their eyes that says:  "See if you can stop us." 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: andrewf on February 08, 2006, 05:35:48 PM
To be honest...as odd as it sounds, i'd say that GFU is still reeling from the shellacking they received at UPS just after Christmas break.

They all of a sudden realized they could lose (and by a lot) and it shattered their confidence.I have yet to see the same team since then.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 10, 2006, 03:39:39 PM
Did you all see the "Around the Nation" article? Nice to see it. Thought you might all enjoy it.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 11, 2006, 09:35:21 PM
Quote from: swiss on February 08, 2006, 04:28:34 PM
Quote from: Kibitzer on February 08, 2006, 03:49:17 PM

In the event of a tie between UPS and PLU, my understanding is that a coin flip will take place to determine the #1 seed since they lost to the same 2 teams. If memory serves me, a coin was flipped a couple of years ago (maybe 3) to break a tie.


I believe that was one reason why they adopted the new rules in Jan 05.

Returning to a tournament makes coin-flipping less of an issue. Now the AQ goes to the winner of the tournament rather than the winner of a tiebreaker.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 12, 2006, 12:14:37 AM
Looks like Whitman took it to UPS tonight by 10.  I'd like to see the game tape.  Was it good defense by Whitman or poor shooting by UPS.  One thing surely hurt them:  They were 14 of 29 from the line.  Anyone at the game that can give a full report?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 12, 2006, 12:33:51 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 11, 2006, 09:35:21 PM
Returning to a tournament makes coin-flipping less of an issue. Now the AQ goes to the winner of the tournament rather than the winner of a tiebreaker.

Pat:  The issue wasn't the national tournament but the 3-team conference tournament and the 4-team fight for the 3rd seed, or the 2-team fight for the 1st seed (this year). I'm assuming the NWC views "post-season advancement" as applying to the conference tournament since there can't be a tie coming out of it.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 12, 2006, 12:47:06 AM
Gotcha. I thought we were referring to the coin flip that decided the women's automatic bid.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 12, 2006, 08:36:31 PM
Swiss,

Just a side note---it doesn't look like the Loggers played defense this weekend.....compared to their last couple of games.  They gave up 41 points to Whitworth in the first half alone but stayed in the game by shooting the ball well from 3-point line according to story on the NWC site. 

At Whitman  the box scores shows--poor defense again and only scoring 53 points---along with the missed free opportunties at the line.

PLU played well enough to get a sweep on the eastside of the mountains--no other NWC team can say that....that is why they are in first place.  I see that the gloom and doom reports about Mann seem to be on the upturn.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on February 13, 2006, 10:52:17 AM
The UPS loss to Whitman was a combination of good shooting from Whitman, and poor shooting from UPS. The NWC is now down to 5 teams with a mathimatical shot at the playoffs.

PLU contros its own destiny. If they can win against GFU and L&C this weekend, they will have the first place seed for next weekend.  However, a loss to either team, and UPS wins both their games, UPS will win the tie breaker. The worst they can end up is second.

UPS can drop no lower than second seed, even if they lose both games, since they would win the tie breaker with GFU, and Whitman and L&C can't reachthem in two games.

GFU also controls its own destiny. They can lock up the 3rd place seed by winning both their games, (PLU and Willamette). However, one loss and two wins by Whitman drops them to 4th place by virtue of Whitman's win over UPS.

Whitman needs to win both their games and hope for a loss for GFU.

L&C has a mathimatical possiblity, but they would need alot of help. GFU would need to lose both games, Whitman lose at least one and they would need to win both of their games.  Not very likely.

Looks like both the Thursday and Saturday games will be in Tacoma, at either UPS or PLU. 

Here's my fearless forecast:

PLU loss to GFU, 2nd place
UPS wins both, 1st place
GFU wins both, 3rd place.

In the playoffs:

PLU wins against GFU
UPS wins against PLU
Both go to the NCAA tournament, (I think that's the only way two teams wiould advance.)
 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 13, 2006, 06:10:45 PM
chemguy-

"However, a loss to either team, and UPS wins both their games, UPS will win the tie breaker".

Let's say your predictions hold true and UPS ties for the championship with PLU with identical 13-3 records.

Why do you say UPS holds the tie breaker? Wouldn't Puget Sound's loss to Whitman give the tie breaker to PLU assuming Whitman finishes below Lewis & Clark?

Wouldn't UPS be pulling for Whitman to finish higher than Lewis & Clark and wouldn't this make the Whitman vs. Whitworth game pretty important to UPS?

We are still looking at several tie scenarios.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 13, 2006, 06:49:07 PM
Now i can dig two NWC teams leading the regional rankings.


West
1. Puget Sound 15-2 18-3
2. Pacific Lutheran 12-2 17-3
3. Simpson 12-0 17-3
4. St. Benedict 14-3 16-4
5. Concordia-Moorhead 14-4 15-5
6. Chapman 9-3 12-6
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 13, 2006, 08:50:53 PM
Chemguy, Parkland

The prediction included GFU beating PLU, which would give UPS the tiebreaker since GFU would be third, assuming they also beat Willamette, and UPS would have swept GFU while PLU split.  Obviously, that tiebreaker scenerio shifts significantly if GFU looses to PLU and it is L&C who beats PLU to create the tie.  Still, UPS would have a split and L&C would have swept PLU.  The only scenerio that favors PLU would be if Whitman were the #3 team or tied with GFU.
The tiebreaker for GFU and Whitman would also be very complicated depending upon who stands alone in first, since they split and Whitman has a W against UPS.  GFU almost has to beat PLU to have a legitimate hope in any tiebreaker, and if they do that, they probably won't need the tiebreaker.
Parkland, I share your JOY when the NWC has any teams sitting on top of the regional rankings.  I just HOPE that GFU is sitting near there at the end!  Regardless, better any NWC team than someone from California or the Midwest.  PEACE.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 14, 2006, 01:02:00 AM
Sorry, that last message should have been to Kibitzer and Chemguy.  Remember that the 2nd tie break, after head to head, is record vs the teams above you.    The next tie break is record vs the top teams sequentilly down to the tied teams.  No advantage in a tie for first.  Then, record against teams below you, starting with #9 and working up.  I assume that is the basis for Kibitzers comment on UPS pulling for Whitman, and my wish to pull for Whitworth.  Are any ties in the lower ranking teams broken by the above criteria before this is applied, or would it include record against both tied teams?  What in the world is the Sempert System?, which is the next tie breaker.  I better go back for a statistics course.

It is a little early in the week, but this should be a very interesting week.  GFU and PLU both control their relative destiny for league placing.  That should be a very entertaining game, given the situation, GFU's tendency to win at PLU, and GFU's relative frustration with the overtime loss in Newburg.  No prediction, just muted expectation of a very intense game.  I understand how well PLU has been playing and how streaky GFU has been playing.  Advantage PLU, I unfortunately guess.  Speaking of that, PLU beat UPS in the most recent game, and PLU swept over the weekend.  How did UPS stay ahead of them on the regional ranking?

GFU could certainly use a little help from Whitworth this week.  A Whitworth win at Whitman, {is PLU the only conference team to do that this year?} would certainly help GFU's chances for the third spot.  That would leave L&C with the only reasonable chance to tie GFU, and that is the one team we have the tiebreaker advantage with by virtue of the sweep.  Sorry Parkland, to be so partisan, but I really can't help it.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 14, 2006, 01:52:58 AM
Quote from: arforbes on February 14, 2006, 01:02:00 AM
Speaking of that, PLU beat UPS in the most recent game, and PLU swept over the weekend.  How did UPS stay ahead of them on the regional ranking?


arforbes:  Actually it was UPS over PLU at PLU on Jan 31.  That helps explain the regional ranking which came out before this weekend (Feb 8th).

Other than that, I think you are right on with your analysis regarding the various possibilities.  Although, I hope you're wrong about a PLU advantage vs Fox.  If the Bruins play their game (as against L&C and the first 35 minutes against PLU in Newberg) they'll be OK.  They definitely rediscovered the "team" in them last Friday.  It was a great effort on their part even with Schmidt and Taylor out with injuries for much of the game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 14, 2006, 11:23:25 AM
Swiss, OOPS.  I need to recheck my facts rather than relying on my foggy, old guy memory!  It certainly seemed that the Bruins woke up for the L&C game.  However, they did browse through part of the 2nd half and almost let L&C catch up.  That was part of my reference to GFU's streaky play, whereas PLU seems to be playing very consistant  complete games right now.  Thank you for finding the tie break criteria, by the way.  I did eventually find it, but it was not easy, cleverly hidden about 4 layers deep on the web site.  Sempert System??  Parkland or Steve Fiegal, anybody, help!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 14, 2006, 11:44:37 AM
Thank goodness for Google!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 14, 2006, 11:58:02 AM
Thank goodness for Google.  I was directed to the Cascade Conference site which defined the Sempert System as follows:

1. 4 points for a win on the road over a .500 or better team
2. 3 points for a win at home over a .500 or better team
    3 points for a win on the road over a team less than .500
3. 2 points for a win at home over a .500 team or better
4. 1 point for a loss to a team over .500 at any location
5. 0 pints for a loss to a team under .500 at any location
6. A .500 or better record in conference games only, determines if you are a winning team.

Where is my aspirin and calculator.  It is still better than a coin toss.  I guess the main issue is that it rewards wins against good teams on the road to a greater extent than winning at home.  Reasonably logical, but is really not that much better than a coin toss, considering potential discrepencies in who may have been injured, or what stage of the season the game occured.  And that is like real life vs a coin toss, which only resemble Vegas without the betting.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 14, 2006, 12:43:42 PM
I just want to put my 2 cents in here---

I do think it important to realize you are all taking about seeds to the NWC tournament.  Any loss by PLU and sweep by UPS and the two teams share the NWC conference title.  Which is a great accomplishment for both teams. And which might help in NCAA bids.  Either way the Lutes and Loggers should be hoping all other teams in the west region drop games except those leading each conference race---like Simpson, St. Ben's (the MIAC---is a complete mess right now.

Regional records are very important at this stage--PLU picked up (1 or 2?) regional wins outside of conference and UPS picked up 5.  Also I think that the Lutes and Loggers may have better power rankings (not the correct wording) than other west region teams due to the records in the NWC.

I believe the NWC is equal to the MIAC---and better than the SCIAC and IIAC---and this is what might get 2 in the tournament. 

New regional rankings will come out today--or maybe tomorrow and due to UPS (W/L) and PLU (W/W) and Simpson (W/L) Lutes should be on top and maybe UPS second but not sure--could drop to 3rd.

In my opinion the only way 2 go to the tournament is if 3 beats 2 and then beats #1.  Or if 2 beats 3 and then beats #1.

I noticed that Whitworth was missing their leading scorer in the PLU game---anyone know what happened?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 14, 2006, 02:00:56 PM
Hendrickson hurt her knee against UPS the night before. She has had 2 surgerys (or atleast that is what i was told) on that same knee and it was pretty swollen up.

It wasn't public that she wasnt playing. PLU didn't know about it until they saw her on the floor in pre-game in street clothing talking to some of the other Pirate players.

Don't know if she is done for the season or not.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 15, 2006, 12:28:46 PM
Parkland-
thanks for the update on the whitworth player---i take it she didn't play last night either.

Whitman is making a great last 1/2 of the season run for the 3rd and final play-off spot.  In looking at all of the tie breaker stuff--is it true GFU must beat PLU in order to make play-offs if Whitman finishes 10-6?  As Whitman split with UPS and GFU didn't.  Maybe there are still too many possibilities---

I still come back to my orginal thought---wouldn't it be great if this was at least a 4 team tournament.

Does anyone have thoughts about if 2 will get to go no matter who is in the championship game?

Are the new West region rankings out?

Swiss--come on what are the Foxes chances this friday night?  Is your team ready to go---

Any Pio fans out there---what a great year for that program.

UPS-needs to recover from their poor performance eastside and take care of two teams quickly---to get ready for either GFU, LC or Whitman next Thursday.

PLU-will get to sit, watch thursday and host on saturday.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 15, 2006, 01:24:08 PM
Quote from: rimshot on February 15, 2006, 12:28:46 PM
Does anyone have thoughts about if 2 will get to go no matter who is in the championship game?

Are the new West region rankings out?

Swiss--come on what are the Foxes chances this friday night?  Is your team ready to go---

PLU-will get to sit, watch thursday and host on saturday.

The fact that the tournament has expanded to 63 teams this year (from 50) and that most, if not all, are pool C bids would suggest to me that there is a better chance this year of 2 NWC teams getting in.  Pat Coleman has a good article in the "Daily Dose" for anyone wanting to know the details of "Selection Monday."  It's pretty mind-boggling.

New regional rankings come out today (2/15).

The Bruins have effectively entered the "one and done" section of the season a little earlier than they planned.  Unless DeeDee and Co. come up with a significant upset of Whitman, any loss by Fox likely means their season ends Saturday night.  Given Willamette's record and the ongoing rivalry with PLU, all Bruin eyes are are focused on Friday.  PLU will certainly come into this game with all guns blazing.  They have a lot to protect, including an outright conference championship and the first seed in the conference tourney.  The Bruins, on the other hand, began this season on a mission—to win the national championship—and anything less will be a heartbreak.  The last two games between these teams have been "heart-stoppers" with both coming down to the final shot in OT.  This game is likely to be just as intense and, if the Bruins win, may be followed by another.  Of course, UPS will have something to say about all of this too.  I haven't done enough homework to be certain of whether UPS or PLU wins the tiebreaker given a Bruin victory.  If the Bruins should lose in Parkland on Friday, Whitman will enter the fray (assuming a win over Pacific), and play UPS (assuming wins over Willamette and Linfield) for the right to play PLU (assuming another win over L&C).  Wow... that's alot of assuming!

The Bruins need big games out of Campbell (like Chapman last year and L&C last week) and Powers.  They need points and rebounds out of both of them.  We also need another big game from Schmidt.  She played huge against them in Newberg but was reinjured against L&C.  Hopefully, she'll be ready by gametime.  Taylor and Leith are always potent weapons but have not always been explosive at the same time.  This would be a good game to bring the "Ying and the Yang" together.  Behary has been shooting well lately and they'll need another strong game out of her.  Most of these parts came together for a while in the L&C game last week.  I thought it was a much better TEAM effort with multiple passes and open shooters rather than "one pass and a shot" which has characterized some of their poorer past efforts.  Their bench is strong and deep, but injuries have still hurt them this year.  Bottom line:  If they put it all together, this team is national championship caliber.  The earlier number two national ranking was not a mistake.  But, they have to play intelligently and keep their "wits about 'em" when the pressure's on.  And, YOU HAVE TO KNOW, it will be on!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on February 15, 2006, 04:30:40 PM
GFU will take the third seed if they win against PLU on Friday, (I can't see how they could lose to Willamette on Saturday).  If not, Whitman will take the third seed, (no way they would lose to Pacific on Friday).  So, the third seed will be decided for all practical purposes on Friday.

It gets a little more interesting for 1st and second.  If GFU wins the PLU game, but PLU wins against L&C, PLU would win the tie breaker (#4, Order of losses beginning with the 9th seed, etc), since UPS has a loss against #4 Whitman, and PLU does not.  However, if PLU were to lose to L&C, winning against GFU or not, UPS would either win outright, or win the #4 tiebreaker, since Whitman would be #3 or #4, and L&C would be #5. 

This is all predicated on UPS winning both its games this weekend, which is a pretty good bet, with Willamette and Linfield.

So, both Thursday and Saturdays games in Tacoma, but we'll have to wait until Saturday to see which location in Tacoma for the Thursday game. 

I'm sure all the teams will be bringing there best game. Should be a great finish.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on February 15, 2006, 04:34:34 PM
I see UPS and PLU swapped possitions in the latest regional ranking, 2/15. I guess that's appropriate based on last weekend's results.  It's great to have two NWC teams at the top!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 18, 2006, 12:41:33 AM
Wish PLU had had the live stats tonight that their web site promised. Any score?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on February 18, 2006, 01:45:06 AM
Pat , The power is out all over Tacoma so the game had to be moved to a community college site at the last minute. So much for the home court advantage. Plu came out hot and led 41 -18 at the half. I am not sure of the final but PLU won by about 13 I think.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 19, 2006, 01:41:01 AM
Congratulations to PLU, UPS, and Whitman.  Whitman did what it needed to do at the end of the season to remain alive for the tournament, while my Bruins failed to win on the East side and failed to win a game against the top two.  Although I hate to see the Bruins finish the season, it is somewhat of a nice vindication for the Whitman seniors, who lost the infamous coin flip 2 years ago.  They finally get to play UPS with the potential tournament bid on the line.  UPS and PLU probably have a fair chance to get invited despite a loss this week, given the enlarged field.  Whitman certainly has to win 2.  Which team might the committee consider if Whitman accomplished that unlikely task?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 19, 2006, 02:48:40 AM
I think if Whitman beats both UPS and PLU, then the NWC could very well get all three teams in.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 19, 2006, 02:50:42 AM
Oh, and if that happens, the teams might just get split up into separate regionals. Chapman seems likely to qualify for the tournament as a Pool B team and the SCIAC champ will get in as well. Both of those teams could come up to NWC country for a regional and Whitman, as the lowest seeded team of the three, might get shipped out to Minnesota or even to Texas, depending on who qualifies there.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 19, 2006, 09:26:13 AM
Does anyone know why Kelsey Krumdieck (Whitman) didn't play against Pacific in their final game? She played on Tuesday against Whitworth but not on Friday. Injury, rested, etc????

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 19, 2006, 11:21:21 PM
parkland-
no kelsey and no laird---but i doubt whitman will tell you why---it is the play-offs.

pat-
seriously---now way will 3 go if whitman wins it.  UPS better hope they can take care of whitman---tough match-up

al---
how long do you think whitman can hang on to the coin flip to fire them up?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2006, 03:28:37 AM
Why not? There are 21 Pool C bids this year, not seven or eight.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 20, 2006, 11:04:29 AM
Pat-

Why not? 
Well history has proven that 'many' do not think that the NWC is a strong conference.  Although NWC in my opinion has proven that they are strong---afterall playing in the Elite 8 game for 4 years running.  I guess you are correct about the extra bids---it just seems the NCAA has not given NWC 2 bids and now that the bracket is of acceptable size would they finally be willing to send 3?

I sure don't think anyone would turn down an invite to DANCE.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: okobojicat on February 20, 2006, 01:36:13 PM
The NWC is not a good conference. There are two good teams (UPS and PLU) and the rest of the conference is marginal at best. George Fox proved that in conference they can't play against "tough" teams and Whitman went 3-5 on the road in conference. Its not a tough match-up for a rested and excited UPS team. If anything, PLU should be worried about UPS beating Whitman so bad that they are on a high. Remember, UPS dismantled PLU in Parkland. I think this one will be close.

PLU and UPS should both get in the tourny, but not George Fox or Whitman.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 20, 2006, 03:46:46 PM
Quote from: okobojicat on February 20, 2006, 01:36:13 PM
The NWC is not a good conference. There are two good teams (UPS and PLU) and the rest of the conference is marginal at best.

Okobojicat:  So you're the expert on the NWC? Where have you been all the season?  You think the Steelers might win the Super Bowl?

As for the Tourney:  I'd love to see all three get in.  They have played well this year and won when they had to win.  I think they each would represent the conference well and if they are sent to different regions might all end up in the final four.  As for the strength of the conference, Scranton (the current #2) had difficulty early in the year with both Lewis and Clark (W by 10) and Willamette (W by 12).  The more opportunities we have to play teams out east the greater the likelihood the NWC improves upon its well-deserved respect.

If the NCAA starts taking 2 from the NWC on a regular basis we could go to a conference tournament in which the top eight teams get one more shot in a neutral site the final weekend of the year.  The conference champion and the tournament champion (if different) could both qualify every year.  Probably won't happen because of cost and time, but it would be fun and great for the fans to see eight of the teams in one weekend.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on February 20, 2006, 07:46:38 PM
Well said, Swiss! ;)

When two teams that finish well back in a conference give good games to nationally ranked teams, I think it saya something about the quality of the conference.

Looking forward to the games this week in Tacoma & Parkland - I believe the first game will go to UPS by at least 15 points.  The loggers finish the season strong against Linfield, and I just can't see Whitman causing them any problems defensively.

The Saturday game will definately be one to watch. I anticipate a tough, high scoring game, but the Loggers will win this one as well.  I hope that PLU gets a Pool C invitation, because both these teams could do very well, if given the chance.

Congratulations to all three teams. You've done very well to get to this point!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 20, 2006, 09:05:53 PM
I haven't been very succesful in making predictions to this point. I agreed with chemguy 2 weeks ago that the Lutes would stumble with the thinking that Mann was lost for the season. But now that she appears to be healthy, I gotta go with the Lutes this Saturday. They have out rebounded and out shot people like crazy the last half of the season. Their seniors don't seem to want to let them lose (leadership matters - just ask GF) and playing at home should give them the edge they need.

Assuming UPS beats Whitman which is not a given, the match-ups should change this time. If PLU puts Johnson on Carnahan she shouldn't be hauling in 10 rebounds from her PG position like she did in their last meeting which proved to be a big difference.

I hope the NWC gets two teams in this year. And I hope they don't place them in the same regional just to save money. Contrary to what okobob said, the league is no weaker than the next Div III league. Our teams have historically faired well against outside opponents and I think we'll prove that again. When the number 4 team in the nation doesn't even make the post season is the league weak?

And don't count the Missionaries out just yet. They have determined seniors and a tremendous coach. They'll be ready.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 20, 2006, 09:42:54 PM
I do this ever year, whether people like it or not, but it makes for good conversation...so here goes. I am going to just post the picks and the stats, lets the conversations roll and then support my picks a day later. The Pride Picks 2006:

NWC Player of the Year: Nikki Johnson (PLU 14-2) 15 PPG, 10.5 RBG, 43% FG, 16 Games

1st Team All NWC:
DeeDee Arnall (Pacific 3-13) 21.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 50% FG, 94 FT Made
Sarah Carnahan (UPS 13-3) 12.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 45% FG, 3.25 APG
Kelly Turner (PLU 14-2) 15.8 PPG, 45% FG, 2.5 APG, 89% FT, 47% 3pt (43 made)
Crystal Castle (L&C 8-8) 15.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 49% FG, 79% FT, 2.5 Steals
Lizzy Washburn (Whitman 10-6) 13.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 51% FG, 70% FT.

2nd Team All NWC:
Kilty Keaton: (UPS 13-3) 13.1 PPG, 48% FG, 41 3Pt Made, 46% 3Pt
Kezia Long: (PLU 14-2) 11.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 46% FG, 79% FT, 26 Blocks
Robyn Taylor: (GFU 10-6) 12.4 PPG, 50% FG, 2.3 APG, 77% FT, 1.7 SPG, 42% 3pt.
Allison Farr: (L&C 8-8) 13.1 PPG, 5 RPG, 48% FG, 25 blocks
Emily Hendrickson: (Whitworth 7-9) 14 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 44% FG, 82% FT

NWC Coach of the Year:
Suzy Barcomb (UPS) and Gil Rigell (PLU) - Co COY -

Tell me I am wrong/right and why.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 20, 2006, 11:23:49 PM
PP-

While the voting may very well go exactly as you suggest (do you know something we don't know?), my feelings are:

1. I'm not going to comment on your individual player selections because I don't want to come across as being negative. I will only say that stats don't mean everything. Besides, the coaches votes are the only ones that matters;

2. In my opinion, COY honors should go to Juli Fulks of Lewis & Clark for taking a team nobody thought would win to keeping them in the play-off hunt through the final weekend of the season. If I knew someone with a daughter coming out of high school who was interested in playing small college basketball, I would encourage her to take a long and hard look at Lewis & Clark knowing that she would have a great experience, receive a quality education,  and learn basketball inside and out;

3. There is not really a clear cut POY candidate as there has been in previous years. All things being equal the honor should go to Arnall. But players on 3-13 teams don't usually win these awards. My strong hunch is that the POY votes will be distributed among 2 or 3 or 4 players not including last year's winner;

4. I think you are over looking Laura Hirsch from UPS;

5. I like Coblentz as my center on the second team based on attitude, consistency, and effort if nothing else;

6. Mann deserves some recognition. She played hurt all season and without her the Lutes don't win. She missed two games and still managed to lead the conference in assists by a landslide. Besides, it looked to me like she did as much coaching over there as anyone;

7. I like all of the Whitman players – Patneaude, Higgins, Krumdieck, and Vertatschitsch – too bad there aren't enough spots for all;

8. Ditto for the quick Ridings sisters who rarely came off the floor;

9. Hats off to Laura Payne (and her teammates) for enduring a long season and playing hard the whole way;

10. Rookies: Do Schmidt and Johnson count? Of the new freshmen I like Craven and Chase from UPS, Hanato from Linfield, Richardson from PLU, and Kittell from Lewis & Clark. I' sure there are others.

Out of curiosity Parkland, how many of your all conference players have you seen play this year? How many games have you watched? Are you just gleaning stats?




Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on February 21, 2006, 12:31:25 AM
I am going to agree with Kibitzer here when he says stats don't mean everything. One question why leave Leith out?

Parkland you have watched the League for years so what are your thoughts on multiple bids with the enlarged field?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 21, 2006, 12:33:39 AM
All of this is my own personal opinion...i know nothing more than what i either saw, read or talked to people about. I will admit that I have several relationships with coaches, players and SID's in this league and do get a chance to talk with several of them on a regular basis. Bottom line is, this is purely my own opinion.

To answer what I have seen...There is only 1 player on my list and 1 team that i havent seen this season and that is Whitman. As for the others. I have seen UPS 3 times, PLU 5, GFU 3, L&C 2, Willamette 4, Whitworth 1, Pacifc 2, Linfield 3, and Whitman 0.

I do agree that not all decisions are made on a statistical basis, if I did, Arnall would be POY hands down. My reasoning for Nikki Johnson as POY has more to do with stats you can't see, than those you can.

Coach Fulks did an amazing job at L&C, but i also have a reason i didn't pick her. I also didn't pick someone like Coblentz for a team because the "Team" awards do not consider position. You could have all posts and/or all guards on 1st team if it is voted that way.

I agree, there are not enough awards to go around, but that is what makes recognition like this so special. There is also a prime example from Tacoma of a player that has the talent to be a 1st team player (even a POY candidate), but might have just played her way out of it because her team was better when she wasnt putting up the biggest numbers.

Disagree with me, you have been doing it all season, why stop now? You can do it in a way that doesnt bash anyone or look negative. I didn't vote Liz Clark first team last year and i still hear about it. Instead just about everyone on this board talked about how amazing a player she was to try and prove me wrong. Might have been the best discussion we had last year.

That is the point of this board...isnt it?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 21, 2006, 10:08:36 AM
All you have to do is take a close look at George Fox's season to know Liz Clark's value last year. I didn't read the postings last year but anyone who didn't recognize her value wasn't paying attention.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 21, 2006, 12:16:00 PM
Hey new guy/girl (okobo????)--BAD form.  You can't be a first time poster and come on to the NWC and rip our league.  If the NWC is so bad why is it ranked #2 in the nation by the Massey index?  I am stunned by your lack of knowledge.

Parkland--seriously I must have missed you not picking Liz Clark last season---I hope now you see the error of your ways.  She was amazing--she was the rock for that team and I am sure S.R. wished Liz had one more year left as I think the GFU team would have had a run for the title. And I am not just talking NWC title.

As for the POY, COY and All-conference someone deserving will get overlooked----they always do.  A few teams have at least 3 players that should get votes and some teams only 1 should get votes but I think the most interesting vote will be for the POY.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 21, 2006, 12:58:17 PM
See...told you people were still giving me a hard time about last year. Here is the real results from this year... Congrats to all.

2005-06 All-NWC Women's Basketball Team
Coach of the Year: Gil Rigell, Pacific Lutheran
Player of the Year: Nikki Johnson, Pacific Lutheran

First Team All-Northwest Conference:
Nikki Johnson, Pacific Lutheran (G/W, 5-11, Jr., Tenino, Wash.)
Sarah Carnahan, Puget Sound (G, 5-9, Sr., Bad Homburn, Germany)
Lizzy Washburn, Whitman (F, 5-9, Sr., Mundelein, Ill.)
Kelly Turner, Pacific Lutheran (G/W, 5-9, Sr., Sherwood, Ore.)
Kim Leith, George Fox (W, 5-7, Sr., Sherwood, Ore.)
DeeDee Arnall, Pacific (P, 6-0, Sr., Warrenton, Ore.)

Second Team All-Northwest Conference:
Kilty Keaton, Puget Sound (G, 5-9, Sr., Sumner, Wash.)
Crystal Castle, Lewis & Clark (F, 5-7, So., Rocklin, Calif.)
Mallory Mann, Pacific Lutheran (G, 5-6, Sr., Conway, Ark.)
Robin Taylor, George Fox (W, 5-7, Jr., Bend, Ore.)
Emily Hendrickson, Whitworth (F, 5-6, So., Valleyford, Wash.)

Honorable Mention All-Northwest Conference:
Katie Patneaude, Whitman (G, 5-10, Jr., Seattle, Wash.)
Allison Farr, Lewis & Clark (F, 5-10, So., Lakeport, Calif.)
Katy Campbell, George Fox (P, 6-0, So., Springfield, Ore.)
Kezia Long, Pacific Lutheran (P, 6-0, Jr., Federal Way, Wash.)
Holly Ridings, Whitworth (G, 5-6, So., Spokane, Wash.)
Ashley Covey, Linfield (G, 5-9, Jr., Corvallis, Ore.)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: okobojicat on February 21, 2006, 08:39:34 PM
Rimshot.
I wouldn't say I was ripping the league. I would say that the conference just isn't deserving of three bids. None of the other teams in conference played their way into a bid, and Fox did their darndest to play out of a bid, especially after their pre-conference surge.
That said, I don't think its a horrible league, I think its probably is a good league. But the rest of the teams don't belong in the tournament. They simply didn't earn it. Its not a bad conference, just not a three bid conference.

Also, UPS is going to have a very difficult team beating PLU on Saturday (yes, I'm assuming they win Thursday night) because the guys play at the same time, and sorry to say, as a UPS student, that the vast majority of the students will be drunk and not go to the woman's game. The crowd was a large factor in the UPS win over PLU, and they will not have that same advantage. I think it will come down to whoever makes a critical basket at about the two minute mark.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 22, 2006, 12:35:55 PM
(okobob?)
i accept your reasoning---i don't really agree but i am always willing to listen to reason.  i also agree fans are a big factor---it is too bad the game times could not have been changed to help support both UPS  teams playing on that day. umm also could you change your name---too hard for me to remember how to spell it.

i see that Chapman knows who they are going to play on the first round game next wednesday---Cal Lu (back to back SCIAC titles).  great work!

MIAC board is running wild with all the chatter---seems there will be great games 1 vs 3 and 2 vs. 3---I think games are tonight---
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 22, 2006, 10:08:04 PM
Quote from: ghr on February 21, 2006, 12:31:25 AM
I am going to agree with Kibitzer here when he says stats don't mean everything. One question why leave Leith out?

GHR - I just realized i never answered your question. My criteria for All-Conference goes in this order: 1. Statistical Benchmarks, 2. Player to Player Comparison/League Style, 3. Team 4. X Factors.

Leith is a solid player, I voted her POY last year and even sacrificed a 1st team vote for Clark doing it. She deserved the award, was the most dangerous offensive player in the league (saying alot with Shogren and Speer still around, Arnall too), made huge hoops and went on scoring bursts that decided games (See at PLU last year) and led her team to a NWC title. She was #2 in scoring (18.2 PPG) on a team that had 4 scorers in the top 25 (and the Top 6 all averaging 15 PPG or more), Top 10 in FG% at 45%, hit 82% FT's and burried 45 3pt shots. With all the ball handling and shooting she still had more assists than TO's. She wasn't going to compete statistically on the boards with so many bigs in the league, so looking for Reb stats wasnt necessary.

Leith was the best Guard (listed as a wing) in the league. She could play both the 2 or 3 in bascially a 4 guard offense and ran the open floor better than anyone. In what i would consider a 4/5 F/C position dominated league (Arnall, Shogren, Speer, Wyffles, May, Straw, Washburn, Clark) Leith was superior to any other guards and was killing thie bigs on the way to the hoop. The NWC was big and they wanted to pound it on you and the most dominant team was Fox, because Leith didnt let teams slow it down or work it around, she forced you to play up tempo, run and gun and anyone that tried to do that with Fox, lost.

That leads into #3...team. Leith drove that team, she set the tempo, she got them up and kept them up. That team won the NWC title and the best player on the best team is always a prime candidate for All-conf.

X-Factors: You almost don't need any X-factors with her resume, but she had a swagger, a cold as ice look that burined teams before the first shot went up. She was going to go for the throat and not let up for 40 minutes and she scared the crap out of teams. Even in their home 12 pt loss to Whitman, she scored 33 of their Bruins 50 total in the game. She was always in the zone, nothing bothered her, even when she didnt lead the team in scoring on a particular night.

See next post........
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 22, 2006, 11:18:04 PM
after saying all those great things about Leith last year...what made me think differently this year? (This is not a bash session, Leith is very much a great player and i have enjoyed watching her play, and besides the coaches all disagreed with me anyway and those were the important opinions)

Leith is first and foremost a scorer. The two most glaring differences between her POY year and my choice to leave her off 1st/2nd team this year (She was an HM pick if I would have listed it) was her 5 PPG decline in scoring and her overall decline in offense.

Check out her stat lines:
'05: 105-235 45% FG / 45-121 37% 3FG / 37-45 82% FT / 34 ast - 31 TO
"06:  71-193 36% FG / 31-93   33% 3FG / 44-57 86% FT / 30 ast - 41 TO

Scorers score and what made her successful in '05 was lighting up the board. This year, Leith shot less and made less and when scorers aren't shooting the rock, they become less effective. You could argue she has less support this year, teams could focus on her more. True, except Fox averaged 2 points better a game on '06 than '05 so the scoring was there, and Taylor was more of a scoring threat this year than Clark or Thomas were last year. They also had more true post presence with Campbell and Powers (throw in Schmidt) Their top 5 scorers were more balanced, which some would argue is her being less selfish and sharing more. Hello...Kim Leith is a scoring machine, and should be taking more shots and scoring more points than the rest of her team. It's players like Kellie Thomas that made a wise move by becoming a 3rd option to score instead of being the primary scorer like she was in '04.

Unfortunately in my scope of thinking, when a scorer stops scoring i look at what else the player is doing to help their team win. Rebounding, Assists, Defense? Problem was, Leith doesnt rebound (3.9RPG) or pass much (1.9 APG). Last year her peers were Forwards and Posts, and I didnt expect her to rack up boards, but this year, the league isnt as biggs dominated and fellow guards/wings like N. Johnson, Carnahan, and Castle are in their grabbin boards. Not only are these players doing it on the scoring side, they are grabbing rebounds and providing their team more than one dimension.

I am not going to comment on the Team/X Factor part, because I didnt spend enough time around the team. GFU certainly finished lower than anyone expected and I am sure everyone has their opinion why. I am not even going to speculate, I just know that they underachieved and because of that, we didnt get to see the Kim Leith that I would have voted as 1st/2nd team. Obviously the coaches in the league did, so much of this is moot, but you asked and they say you should be careful what you ask for.

Bottom line is, she had a solid career and is in the NWC history book, deservingly so. She is a POY winner, a Conference Title holder and a member of the NCAA Elite 8...and she worked hard for all of it and deserves every bit of it.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 22, 2006, 11:57:04 PM
Parkland—Regarding Leith:  I think the one factor you may be "underestimating" is that teams DID focus on her this year (as they should have).  I watched her closely in all but five games over the last two years and she was "hounded" by defenses this year in ways unlike last.  She spent more than her share of the time on the floor, sometimes landing very hard!  Bumped, grabbed, pushed, shadowed, etc., she was well-scouted and drew the quickest and best defenders much of the time.  Very few of those FG's came easily. 

That being said, I thought sometimes her competitiveness (which is significant) got the best of her and rather than working smarter, she kept trying to work harder.  I personally would have liked to have seen her used as a decoy in more situations; as well as making more use of her quick hitting 10 to 12 foot jump shots—which were almost automatic for her last year.  However, she kept her head up all year, and played courageously in spite of the pressure and expectations placed on her.  I'm sure she, and all the Bruins would have preferred to have her (and the team) finish with a year like last year, rather than end as they did.  Even so, I think she is one of the best D3 players I've seen.
 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 23, 2006, 02:51:46 AM
OK, so we finally get around to Whitman at UPS.  I have to agree that Whitman certainly has an uphill battle in the dungeon.  I can't imagine why I thought that was such a great gym when the state A tourney used to be played there before it moved to the Tacoma Dome in the late 80's.  It certainly seemed like a much friendlier place back then.  Speaking of drunken students, that is one reason my oldest didn't end up there, but rather led the parade of siblings to GFU. 

I have to agree with Swiss, Leith beonged on the team despite an understandable drop in stats.  Unfortunate, but understandable.

Rimscott, I didn't say that Whitman was drawing any emotion from the coin flip.  I said it was a nice vindication that they actually get to play UPS in a meaningful playoff game.  Subtle difference, I understand.  Maybe it just gives me a little consolation for GFU not being in this playoff the first year we actually have a reasonable shot at more than one team with the enlarged field, and given the start GFU had to the season.  And, given my relative outrage at the whole coin flip scenerio, after Whitman had their first decent year during my 9 years of paying any attention.  I guess I am just a clauset missionary.  Seems I have a soft spot for underdogs.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 23, 2006, 10:32:04 AM
Swiss - I agree teams focused on her, part of being POY. And honestly, i held her to a higher standard, might not be fair, but I did.

Just the same, teams focus on Arnall and her monster stat lines. Her problem, she doesnt have anyone good around her to take off the pressure.

St. Bens lost last night...now they are a bubble team. Gotta think that is a good thing in this region and should put both UPS and PLU a pick ahead for an at-large.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 24, 2006, 11:27:59 AM
arforbes-
Rimscott here, (actually Rimshot)---I guess the Loggers can count on you to be cheering for them when they play at PLU on Saturday?  Afterall you said you like underdogs.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 24, 2006, 01:30:58 PM
Rimshot, OK, I will admit that not all underdogs are created equal.  There was a time when I actually rooted for UPS based upon familiarity from the   state A tourney.  That time is long past and they no longer have any warm, fuzzy feelings in reserve.  GO PLU.
I will root for them in the big dance, however, unless they play PLU.  OOPS.  Did I count that  2 chickens in the dance a little early?
One of my daughters would disagree with me relatively  firmly in terms of my favorite of the northern schools.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 24, 2006, 06:30:05 PM
UPS and PLU. Love it. Going to be a heck of a game. Can't wait. See ya all Sat from Parkland.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 25, 2006, 11:38:52 AM
arforbes---at least someone in your family is thinking clearly :D

parkland--seriously PLU is well rested, big crowd, playing for the AQ, has the POY, the COY and 3 other all-conference players--- against UPS that was picked 4th in the league, looks to be exhausted has just 2 all-conference selections, playing on the road with very little crowd support.  ???

Swiss and Andrew are you two holding out any hope at all GFU gets an at large? 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on February 25, 2006, 12:44:47 PM
Rimshot- Are you implying UPS is not going to be ready for this game? UPS has beaten the Lutes 3 out of the last four times they have played. Two of those games were on the Lutes home court. How can they be worn out they have been playing back to back games all year at least they have had one extra day of rest. By the way Plu was only picked  to finish third. these teams are really close in stats.  This game should be a barn burner. Hopefully PLU has figured a way to stop the young post player who seems to be playing very well right now. Seriously you have to be kidding with all that poor mouthing! I would love to see GFU get an at large bid but they are so far down in the regional rankings and the other criteria used in determining pool c.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 25, 2006, 01:15:31 PM
Rimshot: Swiss and Andrew are you two holding out any hope at all GFU gets an at large? 

> GFU has been eliminated and should remain eliminated.

ghr: Hopefully PLU has figured a way to stop the young post player who seems to be playing very well right now.

> Don't count on it. She can score down low and she can shoot from the outside too.

I don't think PLU has defeated UPS on their own home court in 3 years but I expect them to rise to the occasion tonight and I expect both of them to be playing next week.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerville on February 26, 2006, 12:07:15 AM
nice win by PLU tonight.  i agree, both teams will be dancing come Monday.  let's just hope the NCAA does these schools right and sends one out of the region at least for the early rounds.  good luck to both programs going forward!  go NWC ::)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on February 26, 2006, 10:54:55 AM
Congratulations to PLU on a huge win last night. The lutes put on a couple of nice runs that UPS could not answer. The lutes defence  proved to be their best weapon holding the highest scoring team in the league to under 60 points and less than 30% shooting. Its been a great season for both teams and now lets hope that the NCAA splits them up so that both teams can have a chance to represent the conference well. It would be a shame to let the almighty dollar force these teams to face off for the fourth time this year. My hope would be that PLU would host the first round and ship UPS off to the south for the first round games.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 26, 2006, 11:39:09 AM
Plea$e note--
money will and the map will come into play when the NCAA announce$ who i$ going to match-up and where.  but then again hi$tory ha$ proven good team$ get left out and are $hipped off.

PLU will host.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 26, 2006, 11:20:39 PM
UPS and PLU in...very nice. Wondering if it will look like this tomorrow morning.

Wed: Cal Lutheran @ Chapman

Winner of that game plays at PLU on Saturday.

UPS goes to Simpson with St. Bens and Concordia-Moorhead.

Since the 63 teams creates a bye and the money is thin to go West, PLU could get the bye Friday night letting Chapman and Cal Lu fight for the change to play in Tacoma. Just hoping they dont put PLU and UPS in the same regional bracket. 4 times is too many this early on the tourney. Just my opinion.

Congrats to both the Lutes and Loggers. I anticipate both will do well in the tourney and think with a week of rest the Loggers will get their legs back. They looked a little tired on Sat as many of their shots were short.

Will check it early Monday am.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerville on February 27, 2006, 09:08:00 AM
well, despite the good ideas of ParklandPride, the NCAA didn't listen. 

PLU to host, Loggers facing CLU and a fourth-time in a single year match-up between two top 20 teams from the same conference looming in the second game; not what fans or the teams deserve.   Good luck to both teams in the first game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 27, 2006, 09:29:47 AM
Ugh....a possible 4th UPS/PLU game...wrong again. Glad both UPS and PLU got in, just wish the NWC didnt have to eliminate itself so early to get to the final 4. Would have loved seeing UPS and PLU make runs at it to show what kind of conference the NWC is.

Money, Money, Money.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 27, 2006, 10:53:54 AM
As if there needed to be anymore firewood thrown on the fire---is that how that saying goes?

The cross-town-rival doesn't need anymore fuel---what a shame for the NWC.  But, I guess I should say that both teams need to get by their first round opponents in order to have this 4th match-up.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 27, 2006, 12:44:33 PM
Rimshot, you certainly nailed thi$ call.  This is the regional that history would have predicted.  If we think it is unfair that UPS and PLU have to play each other so early, think about how the California teams must feel since they always have to make the trip to the northwest and have yet to manage a win up here.  Still, I wish Parkland had been correct with his logical prediction.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 27, 2006, 03:25:59 PM
The Loggers and the Lutes should have no problem at home with their first round opponents.  They both faced them early in the year and won handily.  Playing each other in round two should be another great game with one going on and one going home.  Too bad it couldn't have been in the Sweet Sixteen. 

I suspect, though, that Randolph-Macon will be an even greater challenge this year than last.  They're big, they'll probably get to play at home again (a true yellow-jacket nest), and they have one of the best point guards in D3 (Megan Silva).  One of my big regrets this year is not seeing the Bruins get another shot at them.  We had them on the ropes last year but let the crowd get back in the game which took us out of it.  If PLU or UPS can knock them off it won't hurt my feelings.

Of course there is much work to do before thinking of that.  The NWC representative will have to take care of business with the Texas schools first.  The bracket is reversed from last year when Trinity played to a tough loss against R-M.  But, if either the Lutes or the Loggers can shoot like they did against us I hope to see them in the Final Four.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on February 28, 2006, 12:28:26 PM
arforbes-Logic has nothing to do with the tournament.  I think some very good west region teams once again got overlooked and those bids went out to the EAST.  (everyone can drive to those game$$$$)-no flights.

swiss-The only team playing at home is PLU--which will  have fans out.  If UPS was at home without a doubt I would give them the win---but they are playing in PLU's gym against a talented Cal-Lu team.  The loggers haven't shot the ball well--just look at the team's recent box scores.  Maybe they can get hot from the outside?

As for PLU---they are driven by M.M, turner and nikki and seem to be focused on bigger and better things.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 28, 2006, 01:15:49 PM
Quote from: rimshot on February 28, 2006, 12:28:26 PM
swiss-The only team playing at home is PLU--which will  have fans out.  If UPS was at home without a doubt I would give them the win---but they are playing in PLU's gym against a talented Cal-Lu team.  The loggers haven't shot the ball well--just look at the team's recent box scores.  Maybe they can get hot from the outside?

I suspect that the UPS fans will manage to make the 10 mile (or whatever it is) drive across town.  Since they have played there twice in the last couple of weeks I suppose that they can find their way to the basket.  In my mind it still qualifies as home court advantage.  Plus... they already beat Cal-Lutheran by 14 on Cal-Lu's home court.  We had a subpar game in Hawaii and beat them by 11.  They are not an awful team and no game at this level is a "gimme," but if UPS can't beat them again, they don't belong in this tournament.  I think they'll take care of business, as will PLU, and we'll get another showdown in Parkland.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on February 28, 2006, 03:45:09 PM
Both games on Friday should be good games.  UPS won against Cal Lutheran in December, but it wasn't easy.  The Cal Lutheran post is their most potent weapon, (average 22 ppg, & she scored 35 in the last meeting). UPS had good performance from their guards, and the Cal Lut post went cold when she was subed out in the second half.  In that game, the UPS post had probably her worst game & only played 9 minutes.  Based on the last few games, Chase should be in top form, and I don't see the Cal Lut post scoring anywhere near her average this time, (look at how Dee Dee performed against UPS, not that well when being guarded by Chase).  So, it could be close, but UPS will probably win.

PLU won against Chapman in November, but they are a similar team to L&C, which the PLU had difficulty with on one of their outings.  (They also tend to count on their post play).  I'd still bet on PLU in this game, as long as they don't give up too much in the middle, which is their weakness.

Assuming both PLU and UPS win, I think the 4th meeting will be much closer than any of the previous 3.  If UPS can focus on not turning over the ball, playing help side defense and working the ball more to the post, (Chase scored all but one of the times she shot, but only took 8 shots, as well as the good performance from Aderly), PLU will have a hard time walking away with the game.  I give a slight advantage ti UPS, (but I've been wrong before).  In any event, it will be a great game, and I think the NWC will be well represented into the sectionals.  Good luck to all!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 28, 2006, 06:41:44 PM
Quote from: chemguy on February 28, 2006, 03:45:09 PM
...it wasn't easy. 
So, it could be close, but UPS will probably win.

Probably?... You sound worried... Not usually a good sign.

Quote from: chemguy on February 28, 2006, 03:45:09 PM
I'd still bet on PLU in this game, as long as they don't give up too much in the middle, which is their weakness.

That's really good of you... to give our NWC champion the benefit of your doubt.  But, Chapman, having started the season losing by 14 to PLU; ended the season losing by 24 to a 10-16 team (Nebraska Wesleyan) and squeaking out two wins by 1 and by 4) to another sub .500 team (University of Dallas).  They lost by 11 and won by 14 to your feared opponent, Cal Lu, and won by one to La Verne (a team Fox beat by 33).  Oh... and did I mention that Fox overwhelmed them by 33 in the tournament last year?  So... yeah... PLU better not give up too much in the middle.  ;)


Quote from: chemguy on February 28, 2006, 03:45:09 PM
Assuming both PLU and UPS win, I think the 4th meeting will be much closer than any of the previous 3. 
...I give a slight advantage ti UPS, (but I've been wrong before).

We've all been wrong... but that's what makes this speculation fun.  My hunch is that you will be wrong again very soon.  :)  I'd put my money (if I had any) on Turner, Johnson, and Long.  At tournament time it's upper classman leadership that will carry you, which is why PLU beat the Loggers by 14 in the championship game.  Chase is a fine player but you'd better hope Keaton and Carnahan step up.  If Keaton shoots 58% like she did against the Bruins (not to mention 7-13 3pt) and Carnahan manages a double double, then maybe the Loggers WILL have a "slight advantage."  :D
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on February 28, 2006, 08:57:03 PM
Swiss,

I'm always a little worried when I see teams perform erratically. No one in the NWC has been perfect, (PLU, UPS, Whitman or GFU).  In the case of UPS, the games they have lost or been close in, have always been due to a combination of losing focus on defense, poor outside shooting and lack of use of the post players.  The last two are fairly tightly connected.  If they punish a team for weak inside play by pushing the ball to the post, the opposing team will either 1) lose or 2) make an adjustment, (go to a zone or sag to the middle). Either of these adjustments will reduce the pressure on the outside shooters and bring the outside game back.  UPS is a strong outside shooting team, (Killty, Sarah, Laura, Allison or Shelby can and have all stepped up.)  The common thread is to play as a team, which UPS has done fairly well all season.  They match up well position to position with every team they have faced all season, with the exception of the few games in which they struggeled.  The same can be said of all the other top NWC teams.  Great individuals won't win championships, only great team work gets you to that point.

I hope both NWC teams play their best, and I'm sure they intend on doing just that.  If they bring their "A" game, they will both win on Friday, and UPS will prevaile on Saturday.  If not, no games are "gimmes" at this time.  Both California teams have the potential to beat either team, if they are allowed the opportunity.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on March 01, 2006, 11:06:40 AM
Chemguy,  you are starting to sound a little bit like Swiss, rimshot and I did in the middle of the season.  IE. GFU will turn it around and get back to the level they were playing early in the season.  Maybe for you it will happen.  However, I think that PLU has shown that they really do play with a consistency that no other NWC has been able to match this year.  They have had poor offensive games, but the D has risen to pull them out.  UPS, although dangerous, has not had the overall consistency of PLU and will not pull off the "upset" on Saturday.  I am assuming both win on Friday, as it would take an extemely poor performance across both O and D for them to loose, even if the CAL schools both played over their heads.  And as rimshot would say, that is a little wood on the fire.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on March 01, 2006, 05:01:59 PM
I love the way Pat Coleman thinks in his Bracket Breakdown on the front page today. But for now the focus is Chapman for the Lutes.

Chapman is ranked nationally in four categories and the Lutes are ranked in 9 of the ten categories. The Lutes also have four individuals that are ranked and Chapman has one.However,stats seem to go out the window this time of year when you are in the one and done part of the season. I look for a much more mature team in Chapman than they were in the first game. I believe they only play one senior so you know that their young players are going to be  much better now. Plu has one goal left on their preseason list and they start working towards that on Friday agianst Chapman.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopstermom on March 01, 2006, 09:52:37 PM
I suspect, though, that Randolph-Macon will be an even greater challenge this year than last.  They're big, they'll probably get to play at home again (a true yellow-jacket nest), and they have one of the best point guards in D3 (Megan Silva).  One of my big regrets this year is not seeing the Bruins get another shot at them.  We had them on the ropes last year but let the crowd get back in the game which took us out of it.  If PLU or UPS can knock them off it won't hurt my feelings.

Quote

RMC won't host sectionals this year. I thought I saw Pat say it rotates to the West this year, so the "hive" won't be a factor for a NWC/Texas team if RMC gets that far.  It will be a tough test for RMC for sure.  I was at the games Trinity/Fox vs RMC games last year and they were very tough for the Jackets even on their home court.  George Fox was a classy team (so were the fans), not to mention VERY tough. Sounds like PLU and UPS are in that same category.   If RMC gets knocked out, I will be rooting for PLU or UPS all the way.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 02, 2006, 10:11:49 PM
Quote from: hoopstermom on March 01, 2006, 09:52:37 PM
RMC won't host sectionals this year. I thought I saw Pat say it rotates to the West this year, so the "hive" won't be a factor for a NWC/Texas team if RMC gets that far. 

Well... That would be good for the NWC if that is the case.  Does anybody know if the sectional was ever held at a NWC school?  Parkland... you're the historian... what can you tell us?  I know that it hasn't been in the last six years.  Has it ever been on the west coast?  It seems like the best the NCAA can manage is to "rotate" the sectionals to the midwest (ie. TX, WI, or KY).  Admittedly, any of those would be better than playing on the east coast, but they can hardly be viewed as an advantage to the NWC.  Having lived in Texas, I can't imagine the fan base there being any more friendly to west coast teams than Ashland.  I'm assuming that it will primarily be money that determines  location, as opposed to fairness or even facility.  But... if Tacoma should host the sectional, I'll definitely make the drive north.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on March 02, 2006, 10:39:03 PM
Yes - In 2000. PLU and Fox tied for the NWC Title at 14-2. That year, the NWC got in 4 teams (along with Whitworth and Linfield). Fox hosted and defeated Linfield in the 1st round, the same as PLU did to Whitworth. If i remember, it was a Wed night game. I believe the NWC was still more like the NCIC and we were still independant status.

Then on Sat night, PLU went to St. Thomas (MIAC) while Cal Lutheran went to Fox. PLU lost and Fox won setting up the Bruins for a trip to the Sweet 16.

This is the only time the NWC has hosted a Sweet 16 regional. St. Thomas beat Fox at Wheeler by 12 at the hands of All American Katie Peterson.

Sounds like they have committed the winner of the West Regional to hosting the next round. Here is a question...what if Cal Lu wins? Will the NCAA then shift where the region is hosted?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 03, 2006, 12:34:50 AM
Quote from: parklandpride on March 02, 2006, 10:39:03 PM
Yes - In 2000. ... This is the only time the NWC has hosted a Sweet 16 regional. St. Thomas beat Fox at Wheeler by 12 at the hands of All American Katie Peterson.

The NWC archive says that game was played in Abilene.  Which is it PP?  Your memory or the archive?  Don't let me down.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 03, 2006, 01:24:22 AM
I don't think it's an absolute LOCK that the game will be on the west coast, but since none of the four teams surviving will be within driving distance of any of the others, they can hold it anywhere and the cost is similar. Therefore I would expect a rotation to the west coast.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 03, 2006, 01:43:11 AM
The 2000 Sectional was hosted by Hardin-Simmons in Abilene TX.

The Sweet 16 was cross-town rivals McMurry and Hardin-Simmons playing Big Game #4 before an SRO crowd of 2500 fans after George Fox had lost to St Thomas, 76-64.

http://www.d3hoops.com/danbury/00/round3.htm#hsu
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on March 03, 2006, 09:06:58 AM
Wow...i am losing it. I remember St. Thomas coming to GFU and winning pretty big. Maybe it was in '99. I am starting to lose my memory. Probably wasnt even a Sweet 16.

Looks like retirement might be my best option.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 03, 2006, 10:21:49 AM
Parkland:  No retirement!  You can't.  Even at your worst you are better than the rest of us... well... me, anyway.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on March 03, 2006, 08:29:46 PM
OK, you know how bad my memory is.  The game at Wheeler was 2001, I believe the year GFU was temporarily ranked #1, and St. Thomas upset us at home in Lacey's last year.  Not only upset us, but spanked us a little.  That was a 2nd round game.   Swiss can check my accuracy in the archives.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 04, 2006, 03:24:52 AM
Quote from: arforbes on March 03, 2006, 08:29:46 PM
OK, you know how bad my memory is.  The game at Wheeler was 2001, I believe the year GFU was temporarily ranked #1, and St. Thomas upset us at home in Lacey's last year.  Not only upset us, but spanked us a little.  That was a 2nd round game.   Swiss can check my accuracy in the archives.

Your looking good, arforbes.  Keep up the good work.  Take off your warmup... I'm sending you in for Parkland.  ;)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerville on March 04, 2006, 10:55:09 AM
Good luck to the Loggers tonight....always hard to beat a team three times in a single season.  Too bad both these teams can't advance, as I think they would be favorites in some of the other brackets.  Anyone know if PLU is streaming this one on the web? 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on March 04, 2006, 01:39:06 PM
Looks like the PLU/UPS game will be web cast tonight. There is a link on both the UPS and PLU web pages.

I think it's going to be a much closer game than any of the previous 3 meetings. The loggers are becoming more diverse with their scoring, (10 of 11 players scored last night, with 3 in double figues). Defensively they had some trouble with the Cal Lutheran center, (30 points), but did a great job closing down the rest of the team. The two freshmen players, (Allison & Karen), had a great game, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively.

PLU didn't have much of a challenge with Chapman, beating them almost from the opening tip off.  They played well, but not inspired, which often happens when you don't have a challenge. 

Bottom line, UPS on an upswing, PLU will need to get back into high gear.  I see a 3 point game, UPS wins, with a balance scoring attack.  We'll see in a few hours.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerville on March 04, 2006, 11:27:56 PM
Good luck to the Lutes (god that hurts!) in the next round.  keep the NWC flag flying.  Great season by a young Logger team, and bug congrats to the Sr. on an impressive four-year run. :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on March 05, 2006, 02:18:20 AM
I'm here to eat my healthy portion of crow. Congratuations to PLU and good luck in the balance of the tournament.  I hope to see a NWC team in Springfield! ;D
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on March 05, 2006, 01:32:09 PM
I would echo Loggerville's and chemguy's thoughts and extend my own congratulations to the PLU Lutes who really showed last night that they deserve to advance. I know they will represent our conference well and I hope they make it to The Final Four in Springfield. They will be playing at home next week so hopefully they will draw a large supportive crowd and use it to their advantage.

Speaking of the Final Four, here are my own Final Four closing thoughts:

1. There are a lot of good players around the NWC and if they gave a Hondo Havlicek Sixth Man Award my nominee would be Brie Adderley. The more I watch her the more I like her game.

2. I predicted the fall of PLU down the stretch and said they couldn't win without their starting point guard, Mallory Mann. But they proved last night that they could. Here's hoping she is at full strength next week.

3. My favorite moment of the season occurred last week during the closing seconds of the UPS vs. PLU conference play-off game. With UPS trailing by about 15 points, the ball went out of bounds, the whistle blew, and the clock showed 8 seconds left. Realizing that the scorekeeper had let an extra second run off the clock, the UPS coach screamed at the refs and demanded another second be put back on the clock. They gave her the extra tick. It was priceless.

4. Any chance we could take up a collection among the 9 or 10 folks who read this board to buy the UPS coach a crying towel? I think a buck a piece would cover it.






Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on March 05, 2006, 02:01:15 PM
3. My favorite moment of the season occurred last week during the closing seconds of the UPS vs. PLU conference play-off game. With UPS trailing by about 15 points, the ball went out of bounds, the whistle blew, and the clock showed 8 seconds left. Realizing that the scorekeeper had let an extra second run off the clock, the UPS coach screamed at the refs and demanded another second be put back on the clock. They gave her the extra tick. It was priceless.
(I was at the game---and it wasn't 1 second it was 3 seconds but congrats on getting one last dig in on the UPS coach---job well done!!)

4. Any chance we could take up a collection among the 9 or 10 folks who read this board to buy the UPS coach a crying towel? I think a buck a piece would cover it. 
(maybe-one from the final four---maybe they will have that instead of a T-shirt---I am sure she will appreciate the humor in that.)






                                                 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on March 05, 2006, 07:46:53 PM
Kibitzer, I am sure Mann appreciates your best wishes. There is absolutely no way she will be back at full strength by this weekend or next. Its going to be a play by play situation for her for the rest of her career(hopefully four more games). The Lutes are playing well even with her limited ability and as they get used to ever changing rolls I think they will get even better. We got some great minutes from Senior Anna Sticklin last night in a big win agianst a tough UPS squad. Turner also did a nice job of swithching from her role as a scorer to one who keeps the team moving.

Getting the opportuinity to host is huge for PLU and helps them get one step closer to the last goal on their preseason list. I hope all of you who have the chance will come and support your NWC representative. Now is the time to support the Lutes and hope they can carry the NWC banner deep into the tournament. The fans have been great over the last few games for PLU but we could always use more. So how about enjoying a nice ride up Tacoma on Friday night and help the Lutes take on Hardin Simmons? :)



Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: rimshot on March 05, 2006, 09:50:20 PM
ghr-
You are right this is a big opportunity for PLU and the NWC to show(off) a bit if you will.  Once again---i think this might be 5 years in a row that the NWC is the lone west region team standing---could be wrong----where's Parkland--- when you need him.

best of luck to PLU!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on March 05, 2006, 10:43:52 PM
Quote from: rimshot on March 05, 2006, 09:50:20 PM
ghr-
You are right this is a big opportunity for PLU and the NWC to show(off) a bit if you will.  Once again---i think this might be 5 years in a row that the NWC is the lone west region team standing---could be wrong----where's Parkland--- when you need him.


If i remember correctly the last time a West team NOT in the NWC made the Sweet 16 it was Chapman (when Coach Heagarty was still at the controls). They split up Chapman and PLU. I think Chapman had to go through Claremont MS and Carleton while PLU got a bye and played St. Ben's at home. That put Chapman and PLU against one another in the Sweet 16. PLU won that game then lost to eventual National Champion UW-SP.


Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on March 05, 2006, 10:58:58 PM
On another note...do you think anyone from UPS would come over and join the PLU crowd and cheer for a NWC team? I know UPS/PLU are rivals and I know it would be a stretch. I found myself enjoying the UPS fan that was working his crowd, flashing hand signals on how to cheer for a made freethrow. I love that sort of enthusiasm for the game and for being a fan.

I thought PLU's crowd was pretty loud and did a good job, but am still disappointed with the lack of total attendance. One of the major benefits of hosting is your crowd being #1 Present, #2 Loud, and #3 Organized. PLU doesnt get as much pure community attendance as other NWC schools, so student attendance is a major factor.

Hope the student body can get fired up about hosting the Sweet 16. Taken 7 years for the NWC to get this...we need to show we deserve it.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on March 06, 2006, 01:54:38 AM
Parkland - That kid from UPS was alot of fun to watch and the Senior fans loved him leading  the Cheers. Right up until the police escorted him out. I could not believe that none of the parents stood up for the young man. I almost did and I am a PLU fan. I was not happy that they felt the need to go to such extremes when he was not harming anyone with what he was doing.  I guess the powers to be don't watch many of the Duke or Gonzaga games and see how real fans act.  To me thats part of what makes basketball so much fun to watch. Why take the student body out of the game by constantly sitting on them. Most of the comments are in fun and cause no harm  so lighten up a little. By the way its been great to see the Mens basketball team taking a very active role in bringing our PLU fans together. They seem to be having a great time and it really means alot to the girls.

Challenge of the week, Coach Rueck if you will bring your girls dressed in GFU attire to Fridays game and let them sit with our boys basketball team and cheer on the Lutes I will die my hair pink for Saturdays game. 1. rules, you must have at least 7 players with you and you personally have to wear a PLU shirt and lead the fans in a cheer at the start of the game.  :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on March 06, 2006, 03:30:58 PM
He was escourted out? Wow...that is a little over the top. I was sitting within ear shot of him much of the time and don't remember him being rude or loose lipped. Maybe someone had enough, althought it seems a "please stop" would do it.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 06, 2006, 04:00:13 PM
Quote from: ghr on March 06, 2006, 01:54:38 AM

Challenge of the week, Coach Rueck if you will bring your girls dressed in GFU attire to Fridays game and let them sit with our boys basketball team and cheer on the Lutes I will die my hair pink for Saturdays game. 1. rules, you must have at least 7 players with you and you personally have to wear a PLU shirt and lead the fans in a cheer at the start of the game.  :)

The pink would wash out.... 

Besides, you don't need to be making up challenges.  You'll have enough of a challenge on your hands should your team end up facing RMC in the Elite Eight. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on March 06, 2006, 07:12:06 PM
Swiss - I don't think that as a fan I will be subject to much of challenge in the stands. Just thought that the sight of a old man with pink hair might entice scott to travel north. But thanks for your words of encouragement and advice. I am sure that we are taking the next round lightly (Not!) but thanks for letting us know that the Randolph Macon is not to be overlooked. ;)

On a serious note do you actually think that PLU will not be focused for this weekends game or games? As always we will worry about Stout or Macon after we deal with HSU. I am very aware of the point guard for RM and her stats. I also know they are going to be the biggest team in the gym. What makes you so sure they will get by Stout who is playing great ball as well?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on March 06, 2006, 07:54:12 PM
It was particularly tough for the Loggers since their leading scorer, Kilty Keaton, suffered a mid-foot sprain to her left foot last weekend against PLU and will likely need surgery. After wearing a protective boot all week, Keaton saw her output drop from her 14.4-point average to 10 points in 24 minutes in the Loggers' first-round win over California Lutheran on Friday and five points against the Lutes in 25 minutes Saturday.

"I asked her if she could even play, and she said she wanted to finish her career on the floor," Barcomb said. "She shouldn't have even been out there."


I got my answer on Keaton. Wish she would have been full strength. She had a nice career at UPS, was a pleasure to watch.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 06, 2006, 10:41:23 PM
Quote from: ghr on March 06, 2006, 07:12:06 PM
Swiss - I don't think that as a fan I will be subject to much of challenge in the stands. Just thought that the sight of a old man with pink hair might entice scott to travel north. But thanks for your words of encouragement and advice. I am sure that we are taking the next round lightly (Not!) but thanks for letting us know that the Randolph Macon is not to be overlooked. ;)

On a serious note do you actually think that PLU will not be focused for this weekends game or games? As always we will worry about Stout or Macon after we deal with HSU. I am very aware of the point guard for RM and her stats. I also know they are going to be the biggest team in the gym. What makes you so sure they will get by Stout who is playing great ball as well?

Heck, even I would come to watch an old man with pink hair in the stands.  I'll even take your picture and post it on Flickr for the rest of the world to see.  But I wouldn't count on Fox fans, coaches or players making fools of themselves as an equal trade.  Just "letting you beat us" ;D and getting an opportunity to host the sectional has made most of the Bruins I know feel plenty foolish enough!

On a serious note:  You better take care of HSU on Friday because I can't get there until Saturday.  For Heaven's sake, don't mess this thing up and lose!  Pass out pink hair dye to everyone if you must. 

RMC will take care of Stout.  They had a taste last year of the finals and I'm betting they are counting on being there again.  They can be beaten, though, and I'm counting on PLU doing it.  It's the only real satisfaction left for me in this season, as bitter a pill as it has been.  RMC is, indeed, BIG, and Silva is very, very, good.  But, other than Silva, I didn't think they were very fast.  Keep them away from the basket and they won't be able to find it.  I think PLU can outshoot them and outquick them.  Here's hoping we get a chance to see it!  Good luck.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: GAVA on March 08, 2006, 02:02:55 PM
Quote from: hoopstermom on March 01, 2006, 09:52:37 PM
I suspect, though, that Randolph-Macon will be an even greater challenge this year than last.  They're big, they'll probably get to play at home again (a true yellow-jacket nest), and they have one of the best point guards in D3 (Megan Silva).  One of my big regrets this year is not seeing the Bruins get another shot at them.  We had them on the ropes last year but let the crowd get back in the game which took us out of it.  If PLU or UPS can knock them off it won't hurt my feelings.

Quote

RMC won't host sectionals this year. I thought I saw Pat say it rotates to the West this year, so the "hive" won't be a factor for a NWC/Texas team if RMC gets that far.  It will be a tough test for RMC for sure.  I was at the games Trinity/Fox vs RMC games last year and they were very tough for the Jackets even on their home court.  George Fox was a classy team (so were the fans), not to mention VERY tough. Sounds like PLU and UPS are in that same category.   If RMC gets knocked out, I will be rooting for PLU or UPS all the way.  Good luck.

How could you ?? >:( I thought you were an ODAC fan?? ???
And there you are on the ODAC board rooting for RMC. ;D
I guess if you bet on both teams you break even, huh? ::)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on March 08, 2006, 07:45:52 PM
GAVA, aren't you being a little hard on hoopstermom?  Especially since you combined the first email from Swiss with hoopstermom's 1 post to make her look like a NWC traitor.
I am looking forward to listening to PLU on the webcast.  Maybe with a little less enthusiasm than last year at this time. 
I saw a post that insinuated that Wis-Stout played a little undisciplined and were very beatable secondary to a lot of turnovers.  That was a ST.  Ben's post.  I really didn't see much about HSU.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: GAVA on March 08, 2006, 09:27:52 PM
Quote from: arforbes on March 08, 2006, 07:45:52 PM
GAVA, aren't you being a little hard on hoopstermom?  Especially since you combined the first email from Swiss with hoopstermom's 1 post to make her look like a NWC traitor.

Just copied her post. Couldn't tell from her post that she was quoting ( and echoing ) Swiss . So I only feel half as bad...lol .
Wouldn't call her a traitor anyway although I don't like duplicity.
Think she is a Bridgewater fan anyway, tired of getting beaten by RMC, and just playing nice on the ODAC board.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: GAVA on March 08, 2006, 09:49:27 PM

Quote
Think she is a Bridgewater fan anyway, tired of getting beaten by RMC, and just playing nice on the ODAC board.
Quote

Might be wrong. She says she is headed to Washington, not Maine ( darn long BC Fans Bus ride from Virginia ) !!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopstermom on March 08, 2006, 10:05:50 PM
arforbes, no offense taken by GAVA's comments.

I responded to GAVA back on SOUTH/ODAC board.

I'm actually heading to Tacoma fromRichmond to watch the games.  I hear the weather is going to be wet with snow mixed.

Calling for 80's degrees here.  Oh well, that's was you give up to see good basketball.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chemguy on March 11, 2006, 01:31:26 AM
Great game tonight in Parkland, too bad the early part of the OT didn't go well for the Lutes. Crazy last minute of regulation and OT.
Anyway, Lutes had a great season. Congratulations!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: ghr on March 11, 2006, 01:05:51 PM
Not a very good night for the Lutes. Just a little out of sink and gave up way to many in the paint in the second half. Not the finish we were hoping for but what a great year. All goals accomplished with the exception of the last which was to get to the final four. Congratulations to Kelly Turner and Mallory Mann on great careers. These two have helped to rewrite the record books for PLU. The Lutes have a great group coming back but will sure miss you two.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 11, 2006, 09:26:11 PM
Great season Lutes!  I'm sorry to see your seniors go... your's and those on all the teams in our league.   You have helped make NWC basketball some of the best in the country year after year.  It's a long off-season but your competition is already working hard to be there at the end next year.   I believe someone in this conference is going to make it all the way to the top... very soon!  We're so close.  Just keep working hard!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Just Bill on November 15, 2006, 12:07:44 AM
My condolences to the Linfield College community on the death of one of their players.  I can't imagine how hard it must be to lose a teammate.  Even a new one.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ghost of MIAC Past on November 20, 2006, 04:39:06 PM
any one on this site?  Just had a look at L & C this weekend.  If they are the #3 team in the conference, then this conference will struggle out of conference.  They got all they could handle from the #10 projected team in the MIAC.  Teams will need to play zone against them and force them from the outside.  Not a great shooting team, and they don't really like to play D.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on November 21, 2006, 01:45:48 PM
Having not seen the LC game I really can't respond to your assesment. I think you might want to keep an eye on the number 1 and 2 pre-season poll teams from the NWC. UPS looked fantasitc in dispatching Cal Lutheran and Ogelthorpe last weekend, and PLU got the job done on the same two teams.  Both teams should do well against any competition in DIII, and I expect they will rise in their current national rankings.

Time will tell, the season is still very young.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on November 21, 2006, 05:31:42 PM
Quote from: east coast miac fan on November 20, 2006, 04:39:06 PM
any one on this site?  Just had a look at L & C this weekend.  If they are the #3 team in the conference, then this conference will struggle out of conference.  They got all they could handle from the #10 projected team in the MIAC.  Teams will need to play zone against them and force them from the outside.  Not a great shooting team, and they don't really like to play D.

I wouldn't necessarily put too much stock in that preseason poll of the NWC coaches.  I imagine there is a fair amount of gameplaying among the coaches in their voting depending on what best serves their particular purpose.  The haves and the havenots in the conference are fairly obvious but the final order is only going to be determined by the scoreboard.  Let the games begin.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 04, 2007, 04:17:48 PM
Anybody see the PLU/UPS game last night?  Any comments or observations about these top seeded conference teams in their first match-up of the year?  PP... where are you?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on January 04, 2007, 07:09:46 PM
I saw the game last night, it was a great game, biggest spread in the game was 8 points. UPS did a good job containing Johnson, keeping her to about 1/2 her average. In all, it was a good defensive effort for both teams. UPS had balance scoring, only one player in double digits.

I anticipate that the next meeting will be similar, and wouldn't be a bit suprised if both teams win the balance of their conference games. (The UPS loss to GFU was a fluke. Look for a double digit UPS win in the next round.)

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 05, 2007, 12:17:30 AM
Quote from: hoopnut on January 04, 2007, 07:09:46 PM
The UPS loss to GFU was a fluke. Look for a double digit UPS win in the next round.

Thanks for the report.  But the loss to GFU a fluke?  On their own home court?  Double digit win next round?  Well... maybe you are a "hoop nut. "
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on January 05, 2007, 11:31:38 AM
Time will tell.  ;D
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 08, 2007, 05:35:04 PM
Hoopnut, time will tell, although such blatant dissing of my bruins will be filed away and remebered,or forgotten as the case may be, when the time comes. 
What a logjam at the top.  This should be a very fun conference race to watch.  It would be adviseable to hold home court, something UPS and GFU have not done well so far. 
I was a little surprised to see GFU had a little bit of national love on the D-3 poll.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on January 08, 2007, 07:05:14 PM
I agree, this should be a fun season.  If the NWC teams continue to knock each other off, I doubt any of the teams will see much national poll love, but then again, the only poll that matters is in March.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 14, 2007, 09:45:14 PM
Where is everybody?  UPS sweeps the westside and hoopnut doesn't even have a post.  Anybody know how PLU managed to drop 2, or are the Whits really that good?  I am relatively surprised by Whitman, as they do not seem to have dropped off nearly as much as I thought they would after graduating most of last year's starters.  Whitworth is, of course, always a threat.  Especially in Spokane.
Biggest surprises of the year, GFU +, Whitman +, PLU -.
Any comments?  I know it is far from over, just results thus far.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on January 15, 2007, 01:38:51 PM
UPS got the job done this weekend, but the Friday game wasn't pretty. Fairly weak defensive effort for the first 30 minutes, but then knucked down and came back from a 12 point differential to win by 5. Whitworth's post had a great weekend. If she can keep her shooting percentage up, she's going to be hard to stop. The rest of the team was a little spotty. It was Whitworths game to loose.
UPS tends to get up in the early going, then let their compition get back into the game. My observation is that this tends to coincide with going to a zone defense, and letting the opponent shoot open 3 pointers. When UPS is in their man to man defense, they tend to outscore their opponents. UPS dominated Whitman from the beginning, only let them get close once, (zone again).

PLU has a tough road ahead of them. Looks like Whiman slowed down Nikki and Long on Friday, and the rest of the team didn't pick up the slack. At Whitworth on Saturday, Nikki and Long did fine, but once again the bench wasn't able to help. PLU is in a tough spot if they want to make it into the play off picture. Pretty much a must win this week end against GFU.

If GFU continues to play well, they should have a chance at getting to the play offs, but I wouldn't count on them winning the title. Look for them to loose to PLU both times and UPS on the rematch. It should be wide open for about 6 of the teams to get to the playoffs.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 17, 2007, 12:45:12 AM
Hoopnut, back to the UPS loss to GFU being a fluke.  Maybe. UPS started 1 for 18and was down 18-6 with 5:27 left in the first half.  The remaining 24:33 they were a whopping +4.  Not exactly an overriding indictment of just a bad start, given the normal letdown that occurs for all teams with a double digit lead.
They shot 31% for the game, 10% below their average, while GFU shot 41%, only .5% below their average.  However, GFU defensively only allows a 30.9% average for league games, so UPS was about par for that course.  Rebounds favored GFU 42-37.  For the league season, GFU averages +3, UPS +5.
So, GFU shot normally, rebounded normally, their defense was normal, as compared to league stats.  Did the GFU defense trump the UPS offense, or was it just a bad night for UPS on their home court?
Give me a reasonable reason you feel it was the latter.  I have not seen either team, since I follow this from Wyoming where it is currently 30 below zero.  Maybe my brain is frozen, or maybe I am just an incurable Wyoming Bruin fan. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D 3 ballers on January 17, 2007, 11:26:06 PM
A fluke or not it was a very well balanced game
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D 3 ballers on January 17, 2007, 11:27:28 PM
should be a great end to the season and it will be exciting with many teams seasons hanging in the balance
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 22, 2007, 04:48:14 PM
Hoopnut, The first part of your predictions didn't quite come true, although the PLU, GFU game was certainly tight.  Nothing exceeding a 3 point lead for either team after an initial 10-5 PLU lead.  Once again, GFU held the opponent under 30% shooting for the game and was +3 on the boards.
I would love to see the game this weekend, as such defensive tenacity is not quite the usual GFU strength.  I don't get to see a game until the PLU-GFU replay in Newburg.  I think we will know a lot about your prognosticating ability after Friday night.  Will UPS find an answer to GFU's defense?  I would love to be there.  Even if GFU wins, we still have the dreaded trip to the dry side of the wet state the week after. 
I really do miss Parkland Pride's insightful input...Maybe we can sign him for a guest editorial.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on January 22, 2007, 06:46:23 PM
I was not suprized to see a close contest between GFU and PLU, but you're right, I missed calling that one. :-\  Saturdays game @ GFU will definately be telling. I've only actually seen GFU play once this year, but I've seen UPS on several occations. on the last outing, all but two players on the UPS team were well below their offensive capability (Craven & Chase), and the game was still very colse right to the end. That was the worst game they played all year, and I'd say it was one of GFU's best games. That being said, I'll repeat my prior prediction on Saturday's game, UPS by 10 to 14 points. I admit I can (and have been) wrong, but I think it's a pretty safe be.

Looking further into the crystal ball, who's going to be in the NWC play off is quite murky at this time. I'd have never guessed the Bearcats would have pulled off the upset they did!  I'm going to go out on a limb and pick UPS, GFU and Whitworth as the three at the end of the season, in that order.  If UPAS can win out through the rest of the conference schedule, they would be in a good position to get an at large berth to the NCAA even if they lost the play off game. It's doubtful if any other NWC team would be in line for that, except maybe GFU.

It's going to be a great weekend. I'm looking forward to watching the GFU/UPS game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 24, 2007, 01:42:36 AM
I am jealous.  I will just have to check the score from a hotel in Cheyenne.  I have to do a national guard weekend, and the 6-7 hour drive in the winter sucks worse than even potentially loosing to UPS, so I hope you prognostication for the weekend is even less accurate than last weekend.  Think of me freezing while you get to cheer your favorite team!!!  Nice job of pretty much evading the original question regarding just a bad night on the home court!  One of us eats a little crow come Friday night.  I always like mine with a little tobasco.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on January 24, 2007, 12:31:08 PM
Hopefully the weather will warm up for you a little by this weekend, I know it has in Washington. I thought I was pretty clear on my response to your question on "was it just a bad day on home court". No, it was a terrible day for UPS, worst performance I've seen in two years. By the way, that serving of crow will have to wait until Saturday, since UPS is playing in Salem on Friday.

I listened to the web cast of the GFU-Linfield game last night. Looks like a repeat of their previous meeting. Close game right to the end and GFU came up short. This makes Saturdays game huge for GFU in order to stay in the hunt for the #1 spot.

From what I've seen, UPS will have it's biggest problems with PLU and Whitworth. I see GFU having concerns with those same teams. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 24, 2007, 01:44:22 PM
OK, a little stumble along the road.  Hopefully corrected before Saturday night.  I am sure Scott will get their attention.
Just in case, I am opening a bottle of the classic red tobasco, since the green doesn't quite have appropriate hotness to cover the repulsive taste of crow.
I agree with your assessment, except I would add Whitman to the list for GFU, since we always have some difficulty there.  Don't forget L&C, since I think you have to play them on the road this time, and that is 1 team that seemed to shoot their average against us and score in the 70's.
I hope the GFU defense disrupts with your enjoyment of the game on Sat along with the UPS offense.  That being said, I hope the weather is good for you.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on January 24, 2007, 02:10:14 PM
Congrats to the Lady 'Cats on their sweep of GFU this year.  I would love to see the 'Cats get a win vs. PLU.  It's been way too long.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on January 26, 2007, 07:43:49 AM
Anyone want to comment on Whitman's or Whitworth's chances?  (I follow WLC and WLC's women lost to both of those teams over the holiday break.)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 26, 2007, 05:25:19 PM
The NWC, as usual, is tough all around and full of surprises... even PLU with its 4 and 4 conf. record can't be counted out.  The Whits are both still in the hunt at the halfway point.  Fox beat them both handily at home but will have to play them next weekend on their home courts where they are ALWAYS tough.  If the Whits should both win the Bruins could have a tough time recovering. UPS is currently in the driver's seat, but if Fox beats them again this Sat in Newberg the pressure shifts to Tacoma.  The Whits still have to play UPS and PLU in Tacoma as well as each other.   And the Pios, a scrappy team with a good coach, may play the spoiler with any of the front runners.  Just based on the current standings, first half results, and the remaining schedule my best guess is that Whitworth, UPS and Fox will play in the conference tourney.  But injuries, spoilers, and other surprises will undoubtedly affect the mix.  Like most competitive events, it often boils down to who wants it the most.  Heart is a difficult thing to quantify but the NWC if full of it.  No team can afford to count their W's before they defeat their opponent.  Ask Whitworth who lost to Willamette.  Ask the Bruins who lost twice to Linfield.  More than likely there will be other upsets and close calls.  This is basketball at its best.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 28, 2007, 01:29:53 AM
Another "fluke" Hoopnut?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on January 28, 2007, 02:20:43 PM
Could you please pass the tabasco for that crow? Wow, the GFU/UPS game was certainly entertaining, if not a little disappointing in the outcome. UPS opened strong, then GFU came back to tie, and the loggers had a 2 point lead at the half. Second half , the bruins slowly opened a lead of 8 points, then in the last few minutes, the loggers closed down to 2 points. GFU had the ball with 14 seconds and 9 seconds on the shot clock, then UPS fouled on the inbounds play. GFU goes to the line for 1 and 1, and misses. UPS rebound, gets to the front court and calls time out. On the inbounds, loggers get two lay in opertunities, but neither drops. ( Almost ended up being another Linfeild for GFU). No this one was definately not a fluke. Anytime you have a game down to the wire, there are all kinds of woulda, coulda, shoulda things going through everyone's head, but it was a great game. I'm pretty sure these teams will meet again in post season. I'd still bet on the loggers in that meeting, since there are still a few adjustment they can make, (still giving too many open 3 point opertunities to their opponents).

Congratulations to GFU.  Like Swiss says, it going to be an interesting 3 weeks, with some tough games coming up. Everyone will need to play well to get past PLU.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on January 30, 2007, 03:32:01 PM
hoopnut,  The game was way too close to require using any tobasco.  It seems that both teams played well and neither has anything to be embarressed about.  We just all like to win!!
You have your big challenge this PM, GFU has the eastside trip this weekend.  I doubt that it will remain a tie when the week is over, I just don't have a great feel for who will be in the lead.  Regardless, the twin wins over UPS gives GFU a tiebreaker against any other team we would be tied with for any position in the playoffs, as long as Linfield doesn't go on a terror and tie us.  That is at least comforting.  I feel much more comfortable with this years team based more on defense than in the past.
Soo, if UPS closes out the 3-point line against GFU next time, don't you think that would open up the middle for the GFU posts who have had some extrememly good games this year?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on January 31, 2007, 05:39:17 PM
Another GREAT NWC game last night in Tacoma. (I personnally liked the outcome of this one considerably more than Saturday's game.) ;D

Just my opinion, but I'd love to see a match up between the posts from GFU and UPS. I'm pretty sure UPS would have the edge, just based on depth of the bench if nothing else. The most interesting thing I saw in the last GFU/UPS match up was in the last couple minutes, (when UPS went on it 7-0 run), was intense man to man defense by UPS. Seems to work well, I'll bet it will be more liberally used in the future.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 02, 2007, 01:40:35 AM
Quote from: hoopnut on January 31, 2007, 05:39:17 PM
Just my opinion, but I'd love to see a match up between the posts from GFU and UPS. I'm pretty sure UPS would have the edge, just based on depth of the bench if nothing else.

The statlines of the last game (I haven't checked the first contest) just don't support your contention Hoopnut.  Campbell, Marek-Farris, and Kuenze combined for 12-25 with 30 points and 23 boards.  Chase, Cain & Roberts were 6-23 with 17 pts and 15 boards.  I'm not sure who all you consider your "posts" but insert whoever you want and I think you come up short.

Quote from: hoopnut on January 31, 2007, 05:39:17 PMThe most interesting thing I saw in the last GFU/UPS match up was in the last couple minutes, (when UPS went on it 7-0 run), was intense man to man defense by UPS. Seems to work well, I'll bet it will be more liberally used in the future.

That may have had more to do with the personnel on the floor than it did with the full court pressure.  So... your point is debatable but I will admit that the Bruins didn't handle the pressure well during that stretch.  If you think pressure will do it then I hope they bring it on.  I don't think UPS can maintain the pressure effectively and that Behary, Taylor, and Gardner would ultimately exploit it.  Arforbes is right about the shutting down the 3 point line as the stats made clear.  So the Loggers best hope is to try to shut down the inside and hope that the Bruin outside shooters go cold.  UPS will have to match Fox with their own shooting like they did in the first half (45.5%) as opposed to the second half (28.6%).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on February 02, 2007, 04:48:31 PM
Swiss,

what the box score doesn't show is who was doing what when. offensively, on the GFU side, Campbell had a pretty productive game, Cain didn't do a great job of shutting her down that night. But if you see what Marek-Farris did when Chase was in the game, you'll see that she scored 1 basket on a put back and one free throw. The rest of her points came when she was guarded by Adderly or Harter. UPS really didn't have much trouble with Kuenze. Chase was sub-par from the free throw line that night, 4 for 8. her normal average is 75%, so she was off 2 points. (I'm having a hard time seeing how GFU defense can claim credit for her missing free throws). If Chase stays on Marek-Farris the whole game, I see her total points dropping to 6.

The point I was realy trying to make is that if pressure was put on the outside shooters, one of two things would happen, either they would continue to shoot, and miss a higher % of shots, or they would pass off to the posts and inside shots would be taken. I don't think you'd see a significantly greater number of total shots taken. Therefore, let's assume that the total number of 3 point shots GFU made was feduced by to the number that UPS made, and that the four 3 point baskets ended up being 2 point scores by the posts. That's a 4 point swing, andi it's game UPS.  :o

I have a hard time believing that the UPS coaching staff is not aware of these potential adjustments, and will use them when the game really counts. Fortunately, it looks like there's a pretty good chance the teams will meet at least one more time. I'm betting on UPS at that point.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 02, 2007, 08:14:28 PM
Quote from: hoopnut on February 02, 2007, 04:48:31 PM
I'm betting on UPS at that point.

I'm betting you'll be wrong once again.  ;)

As for Chase, I know you're high on her, understandably, and she is a very good post.  But if you go back to game one between the two you'll see the Melevator (Mark-Ferris) had 15 pts on 7 for 8 shooting with 9 boards.  Chase had 14 pts on 6 for 16 shooting and 10 boards.  The two games taken together hardly make your case for the dominance of Chase.  But, I'm sure both teams would love a chance to play each other again and hopefully they will.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pump Fake on February 03, 2007, 03:19:31 PM
Been sitting back and watching for awhile. A Logger fan all the way, I have to disagree with hoopnut regarding the match-up between Fox and UPS. Fox has 2 of the most talented posts in the league and UPS has their hands full with the inside outside game of the Bruins. If you are going to look at stats to predict who wins the post battle Marek-Farris wins all the way. She is shooting over 50% from the field, making the most of every possession and is consistently scoring and rebounding.

A re-match between the teams will obviously come down to defense, as both teams have shown they have scoring power. I don't think that guarding the Bruins 3-ball automatically opens up the inside. The Loggers shouldn't be doubling down on the posts no matter what defense they are in so guarding the 3-ball shouldn't change the inside game.

With the games that George Fox has left they are in the drivers seat to win the conference. Hopefully for the Bruins Linfield doesn't make a run for third place. In the end though, stats look good on paper and it will come down to who shows up to play (defense).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on February 03, 2007, 08:37:30 PM
Good job 'Cats!  Just finished with a sweep of the Whits.  Way to bounce back from the PLU slapping. The race for 3rd is going to be tight.  Huge game next Friday with the Pios.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 11, 2007, 12:24:11 PM
Lots of interesting possibilities going into the final weekend.  Although I didn't check all the tiebreakers, it looks like four teams have a shot at the third playoff spot.  No one seems to have an easy road.  Linfield plays UPS at home and goes to Pacific.  The Pios have to play UPS at home and then finish at Fox.   Whitworth will play at Whitman on Tuesday night and then finish at home against Willamette.  PLU plays at Fox and then at Pacific to close out their regular season.  And, I suppose it is still possible for Whitman to win against Whitworth and Willamette in their final two games setting up the possibility for a five-way tie for third (L&C and Linfield would have to lose their remaining two and Whitworth and PLU split the final two games).  I'm glad I'm not the person figuring out the tiebreakers.

It should be a great week of basketball.  Good luck to all.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 19, 2007, 04:47:48 PM
OK Wildcat11... give us a prediction on whether Linfield is ready to force a showdown in Newberg on Saturday.  I suspect that Miller Gym will be rockin' if that should happen. 

What will they need to do to beat UPS in Tacoma (besides scoring more points, that is).  Give us the scouting report.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 20, 2007, 07:56:28 AM
I just had a wonderful weekend in Newberg, and got to watch both  Bruin games.  Marek-Ferris is truly amazing, with some great moves.  Kuenzi used a jump crossover on a fast break that left the PLU defender scratching her head and wondering where her shorts went.  After watching the intensity of both games, my first of the season, I was quite impressed with the Bruins.  Of course, I am not the least bit biased.  I was truly impressed by the way Scott and his great assistant coaches have the team playing with intense defense and an apparent superb chemistry to combine with very good offensive skills deep into the bench.
It should be a great week of B-ball, and I am a little jealous of you who will get to see it.  Swiss, yell a little cheer for me.  I will be back in Wyoming trying to follow on the net.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on February 20, 2007, 12:03:30 PM
Quote from: swiss on February 19, 2007, 04:47:48 PM
OK Wildcat11... give us a prediction on whether Linfield is ready to force a showdown in Newberg on Saturday.  I suspect that Miller Gym will be rockin' if that should happen. 

What will they need to do to beat UPS in Tacoma (besides scoring more points, that is).  Give us the scouting report.

It's a tall task to take out the Loggers on their court.  We have to def. rebound better and try to limit their 2nd opps.  If Burgoyne, Lassiter, and Stepan can be effictive from the field then we'll have a shot at the end.

UPS is very well coached and with a lot of size...either way I'm proud of the way the 'Cats have played the second half of the season.  Tons of effort and moxie...even if Rueck thinks Linfield has a 2nd football team on campus.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chickenjuggler on February 22, 2007, 01:11:42 AM
So if there's enough interest, I could be talked into lugging my laptop into the upper regions of the George Fox bleachers to blog or post regular updates of Saturday night's championship game.

Lemme know.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 22, 2007, 02:58:44 AM
Well, I for myself would be interested.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 22, 2007, 11:57:45 AM
For Pat or anyone else who is interested in a taste of Bruin Basketball check out this web site where you will find a couple of videos of the George Fox team.  One video (BruinMania) contains highlights of their game with PLU earlier in the year.  The other vid (Bruin Celebration) is of the team celebrating after their last regular season game when they clinched the co-championship of the Northwest Conference.  It's pretty cool.

web.mac.com/psyhub (http://web.mac.com/psyhub)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 22, 2007, 12:52:15 PM
Quote from: chickenjuggler on February 22, 2007, 01:11:42 AM
So if there's enough interest, I could be talked into lugging my laptop into the upper regions of the George Fox bleachers to blog or post regular updates of Saturday night's championship game.

Lemme know.

I haven't been able to get wireless connections in the gym.  Usually I have to walk out in the lobby by the stairs.  Might be kind of a pain for you to do realtime updates.  (If you can, let me know where you sat  :) )  Nevertheless, I'd always be interested in what you thought of the game after the fact. 

Also:  The game will be webcast on KFOX radio for those of you that can't be there:  www.kfoxradio.net (http://www.kfoxradio.net)

If Linfield should beat UPS tonight up in Tacoma it could be standing room only Saturday night in Newberg.  There is a pretty intense rivalry between the two schools.  Linfield beat Fox this year twice (in OT at Fox early in the year, and by 1 point at Linfield).  If UPS wins (they swept Linfield during the season) you should be able to find a seat but it will be a hard fought game.  Fox swept the series with UPS but these are two very strong teams.  Either way, it will be great basketball for any fans who can make it to the game. 

I think Linfield is carrying tonight's game by webcast.  Check their website for details.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: chickenjuggler on February 22, 2007, 03:02:24 PM
Hooking up to the wireless internet won't be a problem for me. I've got a way around that. I've got it hooked up. It's all good.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pump Fake on February 25, 2007, 03:18:00 AM
To take nothing from the Bruins, a good team that did a good job shutting down the UPS offense second half. But 27 freethrow attempts for the Bruins and SIX for the Loggers, and not one attempt for UPS until the 11 minute mark in the second half. I don't even know what to say. 27 to six.

Here's to getting two teams in.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on February 25, 2007, 11:44:48 AM
Pump Fake,

Come on, the officals didn't cause UPS to shoot 22% in the second half (7-31) and make the Logs give up a 17 point lead.  That's all on the Loggers.

The girl that brought Fox back from the brink was Taylor.  When she started to hit and make things happen on defense the Bruins started to charge back.  I know Campbell had more points but Taylor was that game's MVP.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pump Fake on February 25, 2007, 11:55:13 AM
I believe I said that George Fox did a good job of shutting down the Loggers in the second half. But come on, you think that didn't make a big difference in the flow of the game?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on February 25, 2007, 12:10:11 PM
Well it's all about approach.  In the first half last night UPS was shooting jumpers and they were hitting.  Second half, those same jumpers were not falling.  The Loggers were not taking it the rack and when Cain did she was either turning it over, missing badly, or getting rejected (cleanly). 

Fox was more aggressive in taking the ball to the rack with their drive/kick game and were rewarded with more trips to the line. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 25, 2007, 07:48:24 PM
It's beginning to look like the Bruins and the Loggers will go at it again.  D3hoops projections put Fox, UPS, Chapman, and LaVerne in a first round matchup.  I would guess that there is a good chance that round 2 will pit these two teams together once again.  At least scouting each other won't be a problem. 

I thought each team played one half more intensely than the other last night.  The Bruins kept the pressure on in the second half when they most needed it and the home court helped seal the deal.  I don't think the refs decided it.  From my perspective there was lots of pushing and banging underneath that they allowed on both sides.  If anything, I thought that they called some pretty poor fouls (late whistles, out of position, etc) trying to balance it up.  But, bias being what it is, that's why they don't let the fans make the calls.

Good luck tonight Loggers.  It looks like you'll probably be in the show.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on February 25, 2007, 08:49:54 PM
Since Swiss was nice enough to post up some clips from the Bruin Highlight DVD, I thought I would do the same.

Here is a link to view the opening clip of the: Lady Cats 2006-07 Highlight DVD (http://www.geocities.com/catdomealumni/embedvids/2007basketball.html)

Enjoy and good luck to the NWC reps in the NCAA playoffs.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LA RAMS on February 26, 2007, 11:30:19 AM
Looks like a GAC - George Fox matchup in one of the games at Newberg.  Anyone know how the Gusties will match up with the Bruins?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on February 26, 2007, 01:50:20 PM
Hopefully it'll be a tight one. UPS got McMurry on Thursday evening which is going to be tough, #9 in the nation. UPS can pull out a win if they hold Butler and Richardson in check. I'd really like to see UPS v. GFU again on Friday, I know it'd be the fourth time this season, but the match-up has yet to disappoint. I think the Logger's know what needs to be done in the 2nd half this time to pull out a win.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mcmfan on February 26, 2007, 03:40:26 PM
Greetings from Abilene!  It appears that we will be playing y'all (as they say out here) this Friday.  Should be interesting: you call yourself the Loggers, and  McMurry's located in a part of the country with practically no trees.  We're orienting our players to dealing with those funny things that fill up the sky so that you can't see the sun.  I guess we also need to orient them about things like clouds and rain.  We just had a major dust storm out here (what you get for not having enough trees and rain).  We've played everyone in our conference at least twice, and one team (Howard Payne) three times, so I think everyone's looking forward so someone different.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 27, 2007, 12:17:49 AM
...i missed the entire season. I havent seen a single NWC game this year, sad to admit, but I see Fox is right back at it again. They are never out of it long with Rueck on the sidelines. Congrats to him and the Bruins on another NWC Title.

UPS seems to be mainstay as well at the top of the NWC standings, so congrats to the Lady Loggers as well on their NCAA birth.

Unfortunatly, those awesome achievements for Fox and UPS isnt what has brought me back from the dead. And while i havent been an active part in this years NWC discussion (damn geography) it is nice to know my good friends and rock solid sources know when to make a phone call.

And while I think it only fair for PLU to have it's official announcement released before i open up on my alma mater and former program, what they are about to do is a an absolute disgrace to everyone that has ever been in the program or supported PLU basketball. Such a decision is cowardly at best...and is hard to believe is a decision that is best for the institution and its players.

Today is a dark day for PLU basketball..... www.plu.edu/athletics

more to follow....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Kibitzer on February 27, 2007, 01:11:04 AM
word gets around quickly........
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: arforbes on February 27, 2007, 01:08:41 PM
Parkland, I will omit the PP, welcome back in any capacity.  I have missed your insightful comments this season.  Hurry back to the NW.

I am surprised by the announcement.  Really, it is one year of missing the playoffs.  Not even a "bad" year.  The administration must feel some other priorities that we fans are missing.  The PLU coach certainly has seemed intense on the sidelines, but what good coach isn't.  He kept the girls up and guided them back to make a fairly close game at GFU, when it appeared in the first half that the game was really over.  I know you have been a great admirer of his over the years and I highly value that opinion. 

You missed a very good year, from a GFU standpoint.  Hopefully both of the NWC teams win this weekend and we can have a NWC rematch for the sweet 16.  Actually, maybe I don't really want to see UPS for a fourth game!!  It gets a little more difficult to keep beating a team you are fairly well matched with.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 27, 2007, 02:10:27 PM
Parkland... I'm glad to have you back.  Hope you'll stay around through the Tourney.  OK, so what's the inside story on Rigell and PLU.  What do you know?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 27, 2007, 09:17:25 PM
Quote from: mcmfan on February 26, 2007, 03:40:26 PM
Greetings from Abilene!  It appears that we will be playing y'all (as they say out here) this Friday.  Should be interesting: you call yourself the Loggers, and  McMurry's located in a part of the country with practically no trees.  We're orienting our players to dealing with those funny things that fill up the sky so that you can't see the sun.  I guess we also need to orient them about things like clouds and rain.  We just had a major dust storm out here (what you get for not having enough trees and rain).  We've played everyone in our conference at least twice, and one team (Howard Payne) three times, so I think everyone's looking forward so someone different.

Since no one else has replied to your greeting, I reckon I will with a "howdy do."  I spent seven great years in Texas and will always miss the food and culture (but not the heat, dust, or the crawlin' critters).  I'm also looking forward to seeing some other teams (3 times banging with UPS is enough for me as a fan in one year but I'll still probably root for them against y'all.)  The Bruins saw Trinity (Texas) play in Richmond at the sectionals a couple of years ago and played against St. Benedict and Randolph-Macon.  They let that R-M game slip through their fingers in the Elite Eight so don't expect them to go easy on you if they should meet you in the second round on Saturday.   Expect good basketball when you face a Northwest Conference team and you shouldn't be disappointed.

As long as I'm at it... welcome to the "Gusties" too.   I hope you don't think us too inhospitable if we only let you play one game while you're here.  ;)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 27, 2007, 09:48:07 PM
"The Lutes never finished below .500 under Rigell, who leaves with a 196-69 record and five Northwest Conference titles in his 10 seasons."

...So i guess it isnt just about wins and losses. I spent some time today talking to folks around the program, folks I trust a great deal. I figure that my history of posting on this site has always circled around the best available facts i can get and the best i can do to squash rumor. Worth noting, i haven't spoken to Ms. Turner or Coach Rigell, so anything i say here is based completely off sources (or opinion) and not the two actually in the meeting.

#1. Gil is an amazing coach and teacher. He loved the game, taught it well and gave as much or more to his program and players as he expected from it. Players that flourished under him were players with heart and mental toughness, his gym was not for the weak. He turned this program into an instant winner, taking amazing individual talent (Corbray, Millet, Hampton) and created a team, a winning team. He was also an amazing recruiter. His first recruiting class consisted of Franza, Iserman, Keatts and continued on with players like C. Johnson, Nikki Johnson, Turner and Mann. He ended with a winning record against every NWC team except Fox, which as a rival, are some of the most memorable games in NWC history.

Gil followed NCAA rules to a T. Didnt believe in short cuts and surrounded himself with coaches that had the same passion and respect for the game as he did. What impressed me most was how Gil would actually step away from basketball, for an entire summer, and focus on his real love, tennis. Taking a break from the game kept him fresh and inspired, and even more impressive when you consider his peer group is known for year round obsessing over the game and their team. He let his players do their thing over the summer, and every one of them came back ready to go, day one of practice, because they knew that once the season started, he was going to work them harder than anyone else.

Gil was loyal. He had several chances to take on higher profile, scholarship school jobs. He passed on Seattle Pacific to stay with PLU and was even pressured twice to jump over and take on the mens program at PLU. But his loyalty was to his players, his staff, and the fans that had once again fallen in love with PLU Women's Basketball.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on February 27, 2007, 10:10:16 PM
...so with that said, W's and L's arent everything, there must be a reason.

For all the success Gil had at PLU, he very much did things his way. From what i understand, Ms. Turner is far more strict and has very different expectations of her coaching staff than previous AD's. She is very driven by alumni relations (specifically those with money) and expects fund raising to be a large part of the coaches tasks. Gil doesnt fund raise, he coaches basketball.

The same goes for his disconnect with the coaching staff during the summer when he retreats to his own world of tennis and doesnt take part in any additional curricular events, such as coaching meetings or department events.

From what i understand, Ms Tuner has different expectations and it is possible these differences led to a parting of ways.

Its pretty rare to see a coach with his success and resume be let go without visible court antics (Gil got one Technical in his PLU career), or NCAA violations. So it leaves most of us scratching our heads wondering how it is possible he is leaving on someone's terms other than his own.

It goes to show you that it takes a lot to be a head coach and handle success. So many hats to wear, so many people to answer too, so many rules to follow, and ultimately, that might be what brought an end. Gil wanted to do one thing....be on the court, and he wanted to do it on his terms. It brough PLU ten years of great basektball, most likely the ten best years this program will ever see...and for that, to Coach Gil Rigell, I say thank you.

"Together Lutes"
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: skokomish on February 27, 2007, 11:14:40 PM
Parkland,

I used to coach for the Lutes in another sport, and these days I can only follow from afar.  This is absolutely stunning.  I have to believe it's more than a personality conflict, although I must admit I know next to nothing about the Turner regime.  I didn't even necessarily get along with Gil completely, but he had my absolute respect and admiration as a coach. 

PLU is not the athletic powerhouse it once was, to many people's great dismay.  Lute women's basketball used to be a joke, the weak hitter in an amazing lineup of nationally recognized programs.  Gil changed all that, and did it in a very short time.  I was there to witness that, and it was impressive.  He was a winner, and with Lute Athletics at an all-time low, he was still carrying that flag of excellence, a flag seems to have been dropped and forgotten lately.  Unfortunately we are seeing the dismantling of only PLU team that is still playing at an elite level.  It is indeed a sad day for Lute athletics. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: thejungle on February 28, 2007, 05:49:34 PM
McMfan wasn't lying...Our girls are gonna freak out when they see those pine trees up yall's way!  (Not that we really talk that way.)

We ASC fans have a favor to ask:  Let us know a little something about Puget Sound.  What kind of game do they play?  Who should we listen for on the radio, and why?   Are they up-tempo or grind-it-out?  That kind of thing.

Anyone up to the challenge?  We McM fan's would love to have a little insight into what to expect this weekend.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mcmfan on February 28, 2007, 06:09:36 PM
Wish I could be there.  We've played the same teams several times too, and this will be something different and exciting.  From what we can tell, it should be a weekend of good games: you guys look pretty solid and the four teams seem well matched.  I'm feeling for whoever wins tonight between La Verne and Chapman; they're going to fly all the way to Brownwood (about an hour from Abilene, where McMurry is located) and be eaten alive by Howard Payne, victims, I suppose, of the NCAA's convoluted scheduling requirements.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 28, 2007, 06:48:13 PM
Quote from: mcmfan on February 28, 2007, 06:09:36 PM
Wish I could be there.  We've played the same teams several times too, and this will be something different and exciting.  From what we can tell, it should be a weekend of good games: you guys look pretty solid and the four teams seem well matched.  I'm feeling for whoever wins tonight between La Verne and Chapman; they're going to fly all the way to Brownwood (about an hour from Abilene, where McMurry is located) and be eaten alive by Howard Payne, victims, I suppose, of the NCAA's convoluted scheduling requirements.

I wouldn't feel too sorry for them.  The'll get a free trip to Texas and maybe some good steaks or brisket and ribs.  Chapman beat LaVerne twice this year already but lost to Puget Sound and Linfield (another NWC team) by a combined score of 31 points in the two games.  It should be a walk anyway you look at it for HP.  I suspect they'll be well rested by the time they meet any of us.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on February 28, 2007, 07:32:31 PM
Quote from: thejungle on February 28, 2007, 05:49:34 PM
We ASC fans have a favor to ask:  Let us know a little something about Puget Sound.  What kind of game do they play?  Who should we listen for on the radio, and why?   Are they up-tempo or grind-it-out?  That kind of thing.

Anyone up to the challenge?  We McM fan's would love to have a little insight into what to expect this weekend.

I wouldn't want to give away any conference secrets, would I ;) ?  So... this isn't much more than what you could pick up off the Logger's own website.  Number 5, Allison Craven, is the one I'd look/listen for.  I was pretty impressed with her, especially in our last game with them.  She, along with Laura Hirsh, number 14, were  first team all-conf.  Laura had at least one strong game against us as I recall.  Marissa Cain got HM all conf. and players like Karen Chase and Brie Adderlie had moments when they looked strong too.  UPS scores 65 points a game and gives up 53 and change.  They hit the boards pretty hard, especially on the offensive end.  Other than the first half of their tournament game with Fox, I didn't think they shot particularly well, in fact you could even say "poorly."  It's my view that you can attribute that to the Bruin inside defense but they would probably just say it was poor shooting on their part during those games.  I don't think that overall their shooting percentage is all that bad but you can look it up.  I suspect it will be a hard fought game.  I wouldn't take them lightly.  If you do, we may end up playing them for the fourth time.  In the meantime, I'm sure the Bruins are entirely focused on the Gusties.  At this time of year, it just doesn't pay to look too far ahead.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 01, 2007, 12:52:55 AM
WOW... Looks like Chapman really wanted this one.  Came from quite a way back to force OT and ended up winning 108 to 97.  What a great start to this Dance.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: thejungle on March 01, 2007, 12:04:54 PM
Swiss....You officially rock!

Thanks for that insight.  Maybe we should look for a fairly low scoring affair in Oregon.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mcmfan on March 01, 2007, 01:22:03 PM
Let's hope the folks from Chapman like Texas barbecue!   :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 02, 2007, 10:10:10 PM
Congratulations UPS, 69-57.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mcmfan on March 02, 2007, 10:31:03 PM
Yep, congratulations!  Let's see, if you win tomorrow, do I read the brackets right that you could be coming out to West Texas for a sectional?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: parklandpride on March 03, 2007, 11:02:51 AM
NWC 2-0 so far. Nice work folks.

Question of the day. When was the last time a MIAC team defeated a NWC team in Tourney play?

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 03, 2007, 11:12:51 AM
Quote from: parklandpride on March 03, 2007, 11:02:51 AM
NWC 2-0 so far. Nice work folks.

Question of the day. When was the last time a MIAC team defeated a NWC team in Tourney play?


Ans.-- 2001  St Thomas 64, GFU 52 in the second round (http://www.d3hoops.com/danbury/01/pairings.htm).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 03, 2007, 12:02:27 PM
Great job last night Loggers, GFU, not a bad showing either. Too bad you put everything you had into last night's game, it'll be interesting to see if you can maintain that same determination and hustle in tonight's 2nd round.

Taylor, unbelievable game last night. Lights out from beyond the arc, 20+ points when it was all said and done. Kubka was really off last night, I don't remember one of her 10+ 3's even dropping. Campbell and Farris were steady as usual but the team rode on Taylor's shoulders last night. With that said, tonight looks to be a night for the Log's.

After last night's impressive showing against the #12 team in the nation, I still contend that that must be one really bad division if McMurry is #12, they sure didn't look it last night.  All their hopes seem to ride on Robinson which can't win you the game, especially with the UPS defense. Hirsch really stepped it up and showed why she is All Conference last night. Shelby Ramirez, unbelievable hustle as always, that girl has some serious heart. All of the Loggers played quite well last night, it was a solid game and I see that translating into tonight.

PS - Togas are a terrible idea come gametime.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 03, 2007, 12:43:08 PM
LoggerBall... Your fans didn't seem so cocky last night with just over 3 minutes to go and your fifteen point lead had dissoved to four.  I thought I saw a number of Loggers sucking air.  Thank goodness for media timeouts!  Seemed to me like you were having flashbacks of last weekend when you couldn't hold the lead.  There were a lot of worried looks on your side of the court.

You also probably ought to take a look at the stats before you actually start commenting on the Bruins.  Your memory is failing.  Hubka nailed her first three and only took five, one was a desperation shot as the shot-clock was running out. 

I'm not sure how a "solid game" against a team from a "really bad division" that gave your fans acid stomach  translates into cockiness about tonight but have at it.  These games are decided by the players, not the fans. Let's hope for a strong and fair game for everyone tonight.  We'll let the scoreboard tell us who gets to represent the NWC in the next round.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mcmfan on March 03, 2007, 03:39:43 PM
Loggerball,
McM had a bad night, and y'all were the beneficiaries.  I'd hold off on commenting about the division until you come to Brownwood to face the division champion, assuming you win tonight.  And the name you're looking for is Richardson, not Robinson...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 03, 2007, 11:41:45 PM
Quote from: LoggerBall on March 03, 2007, 12:02:27 PM
Great job last night Loggers, GFU, not a bad showing either. Too bad you put everything you had into last night's game, it'll be interesting to see if you can maintain that same determination and hustle in tonight's 2nd round.

Taylor, unbelievable game last night. Lights out from beyond the arc, 20+ points when it was all said and done. Kubka was really off last night, I don't remember one of her 10+ 3's even dropping. Campbell and Farris were steady as usual but the team rode on Taylor's shoulders last night. With that said, tonight looks to be a night for the Log's.

After last night's impressive showing against the #12 team in the nation, I still contend that that must be one really bad division if McMurry is #12, they sure didn't look it last night.  All their hopes seem to ride on Robinson which can't win you the game, especially with the UPS defense. Hirsch really stepped it up and showed why she is All Conference last night. Shelby Ramirez, unbelievable hustle as always, that girl has some serious heart. All of the Loggers played quite well last night, it was a solid game and I see that translating into tonight.

PS - Togas are a terrible idea come gametime.

Logger, if last night was an easy game, then the Loggers should have plenty of reserve in their legs tonight.   McMurry knew that they would be spotting you 4-6" per player and that you would try to go 9-10 players into your bench.  We held you to 37% on FG's

As I listen now, you are leading 40-38 with 8 minutes left.

I think that the fair assessment of the 2 conferences will be when we see how this winner does versus HPU, the winner in the ASC.  HPU is closer to the UPS size and every bit as fast as McMurry.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 03, 2007, 11:46:47 PM
UPS up by 7.  GFU Bruins are trying to beat UPS for the 4th time in a row.

GFU is trailing 47-40, 4;30 left.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 03, 2007, 11:52:12 PM
GFU--Campbell Ft 2-2; 2:37  UPS 47-42;
UPS--Cain Ft  1-2; UPS 48-42; 2:05 left
GFU announcers say that Bruins need to dig deep.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 03, 2007, 11:54:12 PM
GFU ball--Turnover
UPS--Cain traveling.  1:45 left.  48-42.

Sounds like you are controlling the pace nicely, UPS.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 03, 2007, 11:56:36 PM
GFU announcers like to double as refs!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 03, 2007, 11:56:50 PM
GFU--Campbell Fg; 48-44; 1:00
UPS--Adderley traveled. 0:37.9
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 03, 2007, 11:57:55 PM
Quote from: bbaddict on March 03, 2007, 11:56:36 PM
GFU announcers like to double as refs!
They make some friends of my sound like Chick Hearn.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 03, 2007, 11:59:20 PM
Sounds like UPS is going to win this one.  Or OT.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 03, 2007, 11:59:33 PM
GFU--Taylor FG  48-46.
UPS--Ramirez to the line.  FT 1&1 49-46. Timeout. 0:23.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 04, 2007, 12:00:54 AM
UPS--Ramirez back to the line...second Ft is good!  UPS leads 50- 46.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 04, 2007, 12:02:31 AM
GFU--Taylor Fg good  UPS 50-48.
UPS--FT no good, but rebound by Cain for UPS  Time.
0:03.9 sec.s

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 04, 2007, 12:04:34 AM
UPS--Harter 0:00.9  FT 1-2  UPS 51-48.  Harter airballs the second FT.
GFU--time
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 04, 2007, 12:06:03 AM
Good job Loggers!  Your turn to win that one! 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 04, 2007, 12:20:19 AM
GFU--Harter intercepts the in-bounds.

Congratulations UPS.  I am glad that you get to catch HPU.  Good luck.

UPS 51- GFU 48.


Scouting report--HPU

I thought that McMurry had 2 stellar players, 2 excellent players and 4 more players that would start on most D3 teams.  I think that HPU has 2 stellar players, 3 very excellent players and 4 more players that would start on most teams.  I think that HPU is even deeper than McMurry.

G-- Meia Daniels--very talented player.   Can drive to the basket and punish post players.  A real slasher.

P--Stacey Blalock--a bigger post than Tarra Richardson, but not quite as fast, and will challenge your post players.

HPU can push the pace as fast as McMurry and are even more physical.

UPS-HPU should be a great matchup.

Travel safely.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 05, 2007, 11:24:44 AM
Well look as though the Loggers DID have enough left to pull it out. Sorry SWISS and Ralph, it was too sweet... the best part was cutting down YOUR net on YOUR court. God victory has never been sweeter. GFU may lead the series this year, but the Loggers win when it matters. Our posts held Campbell to 8 and Marek-Farris to 5 on Saturday. I don't know about you, but I think that a 5'8" post, a 6'1" post and a 6'3" post holding two of the better players in the conference to a combined 13 points is not too shabby.

In regards to Robin, she led your team. That girl is honestly legit. As for Jaime, another wonderful night for her shooting. Tiffany... well let's just leave it at that.

Sweet 16.... Howard Payne/Iowa here we come!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 05, 2007, 11:35:21 AM
I will say though, this matchup with HPU will be tough.  While UPS does have the deepest bench in the NWC and maybe even the deepest in the West, HP is the #2 team in the nation. You don't get that way without having some good players.

A few things:

1) We are ALL relieved that we are not going to Texas. 4,000 Texans is a hard crowd to beat, GFU has been the hardest group all season and 1200 is nothing compared to 4,000+.

2) Almost 64% shooting for the game, stats like that are hard to beat.

3) UPS needs to have another one of its games, not unlike Saturday, where things go its way. If you want to argue logistics about referees, try to remember way back when at the NWC Conference Game when UPS didn't go to the line in the first half, then we can talk. HP needs to be shut down early and UPS needs to come out strong, with a halftime lead of 5+, I really believe that UPS can hold on and upset the #2 team in the nation.

GO LOGS!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on March 05, 2007, 12:46:10 PM
I believe the HPU/UPS game will be a very close one. Neither team has played each other, and the only common opponent was McMurry, which UPS only got to play once. Looking at the statistics and the physical size of the teams, it should be a close game. If anything, I'd think the Loggers actually have an advantage based on team depth, and they are playing inspired defense right now. If UPS can control the paint for the whole game, like they did with GFU Saturday, HPU is going to be in for a long game.

One always has to worry about the officials. The Loggers had the advantage a great officiating crew on Friday and Saturday. I would hope this would continue through out the NCAA tournament. It is also nice to be in a neutral site. 4000 screaming Texans could be a little distracting.

It is going to be a pain getting to Luther, but at least we have somewhjere to go!

GO LOGGERS! 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 05, 2007, 04:26:22 PM
Nice job gloating Hoopnut and Loggerball!  Gee, and I was going to say something nice about your team.  Maybe I will anyway but:  First, you both are an embarrassment.  Lay off our players unless you have something worthwhile or meaningful to say.  You don't play and I doubt that you could anyway. 

Second, the Bruins were picked to finish fourth in the conference and somehow found a way to beat the Loggers three times, tie for the conference championship, win the conference tourney and dominate their first round game in the national tourney.  A three point win in game four hardly gives you bragging rights. 

Third, you both are seeming a little defensive about the refereeing.  With good reason.  I can imagine you thought it was a "great crew" Hoopnut.  Maybe in the next game we could get an ex Bruin player to head the officiating crew and see how the results turn out.  9 fouls to 1 in the second half.  Really?  What was it, 8 to 10 traveling calls when we haven't had more than 1 or 2 at the most in a game in the last three years.  Especially relevant to call our PG for traveling with 1:30 to go in the game when she is starting her dribble 30 feet from the basket.  That crew should be embarrased for even calling themselves referees, much less professionals.  The fact that they were led by a former UPS player is a travesty beyond words.

Fourth, if by "holding" Katy and Mel below their scoring averages you mean "HOLDING" them, I suppose I would agree.  It was a battle under the boards and could have been a good one if judged with equinimity.  But that really wasn't the case, was it?  Might have something to do with the change in your team's fortune this time.

Even so... I do want to congratulate your players.  They played with a lot of heart in a tough environment and came out on top.  Unlike you two bozos, they or your coach didn't seem to gloat.   Instead, they acted with class.  (Your "class" is only half full and it's the last half.)  Perhaps they knew they had some good fortune come their way.  This game had lots of drama, lots of emotion and was everything NWC basketball is meant to be... well, almost. 

For the sake of your players I hope they take it to HP with the same energy and heart, and make the NWC proud.  As for the Bruins... it was a great ride!  Thanks for the memories.  On to next year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on March 05, 2007, 07:15:17 PM
Swiss,

Sounds like a considerable case of sour grapes on your part to me. I'm sure you thought the officiating was "just fine" when the foul count was lopsided in the other direction a week ago.

Having said that, I think we can agree that both teams played well and are a credit to the conference. I'm sure there will be great competition in the conference again next year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 05, 2007, 09:35:45 PM
Quote from: swiss on March 05, 2007, 04:26:22 PM
You don't play and I doubt that you could anyway. 

This kind of things really bugs me. Are only former players allowed to have an opinion? Could get awful quiet around here.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pump Fake on March 05, 2007, 11:23:14 PM
Having commented on the free-throw count last weekend and being quickly put in my place that it had nothing to do with the outcome of the game and that UPS didn't attack and GF in fact didn't foul, I find it ironic that anyone from GF would be talking about the foul count now.

PLU was picked to finish first and finished sixth, pre-season polls tend to not be the most accurate predictor of a game, just as stats aren't always a good predictor of game outcomes. The NWC is a tough conference, there are never any gimme games.

Now that that is over, good luck to UPS in the next round.

Hopefully the NWC will continue making a statement to keep getting 2 teams into the dance, and perhaps even start sending us to different sites so that we can prove how far our conference can go, as obviously both GF and UPS are both great teams that can do some damage around the country, and both teams are also very deserving of playing in the Sweet Sixteen.

Again, good luck to UPS in Iowa and congrats to GF on a great season. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 05, 2007, 11:28:34 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 05, 2007, 09:35:45 PM
Quote from: swiss on March 05, 2007, 04:26:22 PM
You don't play and I doubt that you could anyway. 

This kind of things really bugs me. Are only former players allowed to have an opinion? Could get awful quiet around here.

The issue is one of offering credible or constructive comments.  If I took unprovoked or sarcastic pot shots at you as an editor you'd have every reason to question the basis of my opinion.  I know enough about athletes to know that generally it is not ex players who take those kind of cheap shots at other players.  Most athletes are well aware of how difficult and how much sacrifice it takes to excel at a sport to disrespect another's efforts.  Boo all you want at the games, I doubt that they will hear or care.  But when someone makes a needlessly sarcastic or destructive claim in print he (or she) is open to a counter "opinion," right?  I made mine.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on March 05, 2007, 11:48:09 PM
Swiss,

Wrong.
I re-read my post that seamed to get you going, and I can't find anything in it that was not factual or was an degradation of any GFU player. So, where is this attack of which you so strongly protest? I get the impression that you feel everyone is entitled to YOUR opinion. Sorry, but I just can't quite buy into that.

I suggest you give it a rest until next year.

Again, great job for both the UPS and GFU teams for an outstanding season. Let's hope the NWC goes deep into the tournament.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: sethhpu on March 05, 2007, 11:48:49 PM
What kind of defense does Puget Sound run?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on March 05, 2007, 11:52:14 PM
They vary between man-to-man and zone, sometimes pressing full court. Just a little bit of everything.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 05, 2007, 11:58:32 PM
Quote from: LoggerBall on March 05, 2007, 11:24:44 AM
Well look as though the Loggers DID have enough left to pull it out. Sorry SWISS and Ralph, it was too sweet...

Sweet 16.... Howard Payne/Iowa here we come!!

I spoke with our (McM's) color man about UPS and he was very complimentary of the UPS coach and team about how she used the media timeout and effective substitution to keep her team fresh.

As for crowds, HPU played before these crowds this year (see link below).  The students returned from break by Jan 20th.  The games at UMHB, HSU and McM were very good away crowds.  I think that HPU can handle the neutral crowd at Iowa and I am thinking (55-45 chance) that WashU may beat Luther.

HPU is 4-6 inches taller than McMurry and HPU's Meia Daniels may be the best women's player in the country.  Stacey Blalock is bigger than Tarra Richardson, and Molly Buker and Heather Hohertz are aggressive defenders.

The benefit to UPS is that the McMurry tape that you got was the 49-40 HPU win over McMurry in the Conference finals.

HPU Stats (http://www.americansouthwestconf.org/stats-womenbasketball/hpu.htm)

It looks like we play before some bigger crowds in the ASC.

UPS Stats. (http://www2.ups.edu/athletics/wbasketball/0607/teamcume.htm)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 06, 2007, 12:03:45 AM
HPU is a solid nine players deep, too.  I think that they are about 2-3 players deeper than McMurry, too.  (Comparable quality to comparable quality.)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: sethhpu on March 06, 2007, 12:08:18 AM
Hoopnut or my buddy Ralph, what would you say Puget Sound's weaknesses are? Obviously they distrbute the ball well and are offensively very balanced, but I saw some low shooting percentage games???
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 06, 2007, 01:55:44 AM
Quote from: hoopnut on March 05, 2007, 11:48:09 PM
Swiss,

So, where is this attack of which you so strongly protest? 

Go back and read the thread. It's pretty obvious.  LoggerBall had two different negative or provocative posts about Hubka over the weekend and a thinly veiled one regarding Behary.  Most of my ire was directed at LB.  I inadvertently included you in my response to what I thought were his classless comments about specific players.  You have my apology for that.  What I said about the Loggers as a team still stands.  They were a worthy opponent and I'd love to see them bring home a championship. 

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on March 06, 2007, 01:13:39 PM
Quote from: swiss on March 05, 2007, 11:28:34 PM
I know enough about athletes to know that generally it is not ex players who take those kind of cheap shots at other players.  Most athletes are well aware of how difficult and how much sacrifice it takes to excel at a sport to disrespect another's efforts.

Swiss you would think that would be the case but I guess some athletes don't carry that respect.  Why would I say that....

After Linfield lost their NWC playoff game in Tacoma the lady 'Cats had a pretty crappy deal happen with some of the UPS fans after the game.

Two of our girls where alone outside of the UPS field house after the game when a car full of guys pulled up and stated to call the girls some pretty terrible names.  They started in with calling them losers then worked they way up to calling the girls some names I would rather not say.

The worst part is that the main culprit in the car is a player on the Logger's men varsity team.  You think a NCAA player would know better to verbally assault another athlete after a game….especially women.   

The girls recognized him because this player was also the same person who read the NWC/NCAA good sportsmanship policy before the palyoff game that night. 

Maybe I'm wrong to air that out in public but there is a group of fans that need a reality check before something really bad happens during a game or after.  However, I want to be clear that I think the UPS women's team and staff is excellent and has done nothing wrong at all and wish them victory at the sweet 16.  The UPS women's team can't control what some of their fans do but the UPS administration can...

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 06, 2007, 03:14:04 PM
Quote from: wildcat11 on March 06, 2007, 01:13:39 PM
Quote from: swiss on March 05, 2007, 11:28:34 PM
I know enough about athletes to know that generally it is not ex players who take those kind of cheap shots at other players.  Most athletes are well aware of how difficult and how much sacrifice it takes to excel at a sport to disrespect another's efforts.
Swiss you would think that would be the case but I guess some athletes don't carry that respect.

Wildcat... It's really unfortunate that kind of thing occurs.  I suppose my broader point is that happens because people feel inadequate rather than adequate.  Dedicated people tend to recognize and value dedication in others while wounded people often go out of their way to wound others.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 06, 2007, 06:24:30 PM
In response to Swiss... don't start getting off on the rest of us about bad-mouthing players, you rode UPS posts after the first two losses constantly. I do recall there was a lot about how unstoppable the 33 and 40 were and how our little 5'8" couldn't do anything to stop them, if you look at the stats, I believe Campbell didn't score on Adderley all night.

You blatantly called out UPS players in earlier posts and get offended when we do the same. This is much like the refereeing that went on during the game. GFU does no wrong, NEVER commits a foul, but when they do, pardon the pun, but god have mercy on the ref's!!! The fans at GFU act like their players are god-sends. The game was a little one-sided in the second half but that's what happens when you have players who drive the ball to the hoop (UPS) and players who throw shots up the moment they cross half-court (GFU). It's hard to foul someone when they don't do anything but shoot from the perimeter.

I am happy that we got HPU in the Sweet 16 because it will be nice to see a strong McMurry showing against, at the time, the #1 school in the nation.  I believe that since there is no home court advantage, barring any unbelievable nights from their post, HPU will have a hard time defending against the constant barrage of fresh players that Barcomb will be throwing at them.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 06, 2007, 06:36:41 PM
I would like to offer my apologies as to the behavior of the few fans in the car that evening. I too saw this happen and would like to say that this is NOT typical of UPS fans. We may ride the players during the game, but not to the extent that GFU did Saturday night. Starting off the Airball wasn't bad.... I must say. But there comes a time when fans cross the line to degradation of players and that is completely unnecessary.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on March 06, 2007, 08:16:29 PM
Quote from: LoggerBall on March 06, 2007, 06:24:30 PM
In response to Swiss... don't start getting off on the rest of us about bad-mouthing players, you rode UPS posts after the first two losses constantly. I do recall there was a lot about how unstoppable the 33 and 40 were and how our little 5'8" couldn't do anything to stop them, ...

What do you do LB, just make up stuff as you go along?

You really don't get it, do you?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dballa on March 06, 2007, 08:36:38 PM
Loggerball, your team goes 9 deep HPU goes 9 deep what makes you think yours will be any fresher than HPU's?  If you can't stop our posts Stacey Blalock and Kim Hoffman inside then you won't stand a chance.  if you slow them down then the guards on the outside will drain 3's all day.  Who do you have that can stop our all-american Meia Daniels? 

I think it will be a matter of who can penetrate the other teams zone and make shots.  Neither team turns the ball over a whole lot so i'm sure both teams will get plenty of chances for to score.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 07, 2007, 01:06:54 AM
I believe we have a deeper bench. Our players off the bench could be starters on almost any other team in the nation. I do believe HP,U's stats show that they are OUTSTANDING 3 point shooters - 31 for 127?? 145 for 442, 32% as a team Wow, and your stars are roughly 28% beyond the arc? I mean sure, you have players shooting 57%, but come on, when you are 5-9 in a season..... I don't think that says a whole lot.

Meia Daniels, if and when she gets shut down, it will be done by our four oustanding posts who can rotate to wings who can even rotate to guards when need be. Our players are versatile, quick, and play unbelievable defense. This will probably be one of the best games of the tournament and am sad that I won't be able to make it out to lovely Iowa to see it happen. Hopefully see you at the Final Four though!!! Go Logs!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dballa on March 07, 2007, 07:43:52 AM
What you don't see in those 3 point stats are when they occur.  Our players make big shots when they need to and that's usually during a big run.  If you look at any of the play by play stats you'll see that they hit them in big situations to pull away from the team.

As far as putting a post on Meia Daniels, I hope they do because she'll fly right by them.  I don't think UPS can show HPU anything they haven't seen before.

As far as defense goes, look at the national stats, HPU ranks 1st or in the top 10 in just about every category. 

I do think it will be a great game and like you I wish I could be there.  But this weekend I'll be stuck at home listening to the radio broadcast.

How many people from UPS are going to Iowa?  I know HPU has a charter bus full of fans going as well as Coach K's family and friends from his home state of Iowa.  I think HPU will be well represented up there and making some noise.
Title: Congrats UPS
Post by: arforbes on March 07, 2007, 05:51:55 PM
Soo, I am gone for a couple weeks and the site turns into a spirited mud slinging session.  Congratulations UPS.  1 out of 4 ain't bad.  Unfortunately for my Bruins, you did win the tourney game to keep playing.  Of course, a loss a week prior and the Bruins probably would not have made the tourney.  In that case, UPS may have been playing Chapman or someone else from Cal and had a much easier time of it.
There is not much room for gloating in this, since the teams were evenly matched and played 4 relatively close games.  And we know who won the series and was the better team on 3/4 nights.
Good luck UPS.  Your success only improves the reputation of the NWC and makes it easier for all of us to get into the tourney in the future.  I will be following closely, although it will be on somebody else's internet feed.  Come on UPS, wake up to the new century and give us NWC addicts something to listen to from our NWC representative.
Title: Re: Congrats UPS
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 07, 2007, 06:01:00 PM
Welcome back, arforbes! :)

UPS and HPU should be a great game!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on March 07, 2007, 06:23:31 PM
The more I look at the statistics, the more I'm convinced that the UPS/HPU game will be a toss-up. The teams appear to be almost a wash at every level. The size of the players is comperable, they both have similar depth, and neither team really has one "go to" player. Looking at the games involving their one and only common opponent, HPU had an average of 32% on FG, compared with 38% for UPS, HPU averaged 38 rebounds compaired to 44 for UPS. Just not really a significant differance.
Looks like it will be a great game, and whoever wants it the most will win. I'm looking forward to seeing it. There will be a small, but vocal UPS fan roup there, I'm guessing HPU fans will outnumber us.

I only wish it didn't take all day to get their. Good luck to both teams.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dballa on March 07, 2007, 07:16:19 PM
Another stat you should look at is free throws...on the year HPU has attempted over 200 more than UPS, both teams shoot just over 70%.  HPU is aggressive and finds ways to get to the free throw line.

With comparing the numbers against McMurry it's kind of hard to do since HPU played them 3 times and UPS only played them once.  HPU played all 3 games after tough games against Top 15 Hardin-Simmons.  Both teams are big rivals for HPU and thats draining on a team to play them back to back 3 different times and during the regular season it was in back to back weeks.


I agree it should be a fun game to watch...at least for the few that will be lucky enough to attend the games in Iowa.  I hope both teams play well and neither one come out with any injuries. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on March 07, 2007, 08:56:44 PM
I wouldn't count on a huge free throw advantage for HPU. While HPU is fairly low on fouls commited per game (13.7), UPS is not too far behind them (14.9). I doubt 1 or 2 additional trips to the line will be a deciding difference in the game, (or maybe it will!) Both teams tend to get more foul shots than they give up.

Again, I anticipate a very close game. While UPS has more losses than HPU, 3 of the six losses were to the same team, and they have never lost by more than 8 points this season. The NWC is a very strong conference, there are really only 2 of the 9 teams that would be considered "weak".
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 08, 2007, 12:01:39 AM
If you're going to let Meia Daniels fly right by you that's not going to be helpful either. Gotta play defense and defending someone going to the hole inevitably means fouls.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on March 08, 2007, 01:29:26 AM
Yes, but offensive or defensive? Makes a difference on how well the defense is played.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 09, 2007, 02:43:15 AM
All I've got to say tonight is... it is a shame that the NWC can't be better represented in Iowa. I am proud of the outstanding fans that NWC has provided this season. Heckling has been at an all time high, classy comments are a premium, and the classlessness has been kept to a minimum. It would be nice for the Sweet 16 to be a little closer so the fans as well as the ladies could support UPS on its run to the Finals.

I've been brewing over these stats for a few days now, seen some HPU tape, I'll give credit when credit is due. Daniels is All American... enough said. That girl can ball. I just haven't seen the depth that UPS can provide, granted, the bench has to be hot all night and that has been one of UPS's defining moments as of late. If the bench stays hot, UPS has a real chance to take this one away from HPU. Look forward to sitting in front of my computer for 2 hours tomorrow night listening on D3.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 09, 2007, 05:11:59 AM
In McMurry's victory over HPU our backcourt was very cold, (FG 6-34, 3FG 2-12).  We held Daniels to 11 points.

A week later, when we held Daniels scoreless in the 72-55 loss before 2890 fans in Brownwood, we hit outside shots fairly well (FG 10-25,  3FG 2-15), but HPU found other ways to beat us.

Last week against UPS, our frontcourt was horribly cold (FG 3-23 3FG 2-15).  I really look forward to seeing how UPS handles HPU.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 09, 2007, 05:21:00 AM
Logger, HPU's bench matches yours, player for player.  Your bench must stay hot, and I think that your team must go deeper, earlier.  I thought that HPU's bench was stronger than McMurry's all season.  we had long debates about how we were beating team by 101-5 and HPU was beating teams 20-25 with their deep bench players getting  5-6 minutes and pulling farther away.

My sources at the UPS-McM game said that your coach used the media timeouts and her coaching skills to keep us from finally wearing your down, before the final Free Throw Extraganza.  We came to within 4 points twice in the last 4 mnutes before you pulled away.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: thundercat on March 09, 2007, 02:41:27 PM
Quote from: LoggerBall on March 09, 2007, 02:43:15 AM
All I've got to say tonight is... it is a shame that the NWC can't be better represented in Iowa. I am proud of the outstanding fans that NWC has provided this season. Heckling has been at an all time high, classy comments are a premium, and the classlessness has been kept to a minimum. It would be nice for the Sweet 16 to be a little closer so the fans as well as the ladies could support UPS on its run to the Finals.


The real shame is that the game isn't closer to Texas.  I doubt UPS has ever had even close to over 4300 fans at a game!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 09, 2007, 05:43:27 PM
Yeah, I'm pretty sure that the UPS team & NWC fans everywhere are crying in their beer that they don't get to play in front of 4,000+ Texans yelling "y'all whatever" at them!  HPU really needs to get over that one.  I'm pretty sure it's going to be a good game no matter what & it seems Texas is closer to Iowa than Washington is, so I'm sure your fan base will be larger.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 09, 2007, 07:31:56 PM
HPU: 0-5 from beyond the arc, 3-20 from the field, Meia Daniels is 0-6 and 0-3 from the 3 pt line. UPS is up 20-17 with under 5 to go. HPU is only in this because of their free throws.

HPU hasn't scored a field goal in 12 mins.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 09, 2007, 08:34:45 PM
Great job Loggers!   Guess those teams from the NWC are pretty good, even against Texas!
What was with the free throw stats?  HPU 15-18 and UPS 3-3?  How could it be that out of whack?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 09, 2007, 08:50:46 PM
Congrats UPS!!! Elite 8 time... great game, what a tough first half for both teams, terrible shooting percentages, great free throws for HPU, that was one the second best game of the season in my opinion (Of course the first being last weekend over GFU).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 09, 2007, 10:50:10 PM
Its' a Puget Sound-Wash U game tomorrow. Wash U knocked off Luther, 59-58.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pump Fake on March 09, 2007, 11:53:44 PM
What is this, the third time in 4 years a NWC team is in the Elite Eight? Will we ever get our teams in different brackets? We definitely would have a good chance at getting two teams into the top eight if given the opportunity. But will it ever happen? Good luck to UPS tomorrow! Keep proving how good the west is!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 10, 2007, 12:55:03 AM
I agree with Pump Fake.  Too bad that UPS eliminated GFU last weekend.  We could have two teams from NWC (in different brackets) showing them what a great conference this is.  I hope the Loggers take it to the top!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 10, 2007, 09:24:44 PM
Quote from: Pump Fake on March 09, 2007, 11:53:44 PM
What is this, the third time in 4 years a NWC team is in the Elite Eight? Will we ever get our teams in different brackets? We definitely would have a good chance at getting two teams into the top eight if given the opportunity. But will it ever happen? Good luck to UPS tomorrow! Keep proving how good the west is!!!
The NWC and the ASC are both geographical isolates.  We are unlikely to get our teams in different brackets.  They had a situation where they could split McMurry and Howard Payne, and that was how you were able to miss the first round rematch.

C'mon, Loggers!  Trailing by 8, 54-46 with just under 2 minutes left. :(
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LoggerBall on March 12, 2007, 01:27:21 PM
Rough night for the Loggers, 57-48....out-rebounded... great defensive game, congrats Loggers on the great run! Unranked school comes in and upsets the #12, #2, and the team that beat you three other times during the season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on November 01, 2007, 12:54:23 PM
Hey, where is everybody? Scrimmages are about to start!

Looks like the NWC has two teams ranked in on national poll, and almost two in another. (UPS and George Fox)

George Fox was picke by the NWC coaches poll to be #1. That's been the kiss of death for the past few seasons, sure glad the Loggers were picked #2, (barely). Looking at the George Fox roster, they're only bringing in one freshman this year. UPS roster hasn't been posted yet, but my spies tell me they'll have two freshmen and a few transfers.

I'm looking forward to another great season!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Gray Fox on November 14, 2007, 12:04:45 PM
Quote from: hoopnut on November 01, 2007, 12:54:23 PM
Hey, where is everybody? Scrimmages are about to start!

Looks like the NWC has two teams ranked in on national poll, and almost two in another. (UPS and George Fox)

George Fox was picke by the NWC coaches poll to be #1. That's been the kiss of death for the past few seasons, sure glad the Loggers were picked #2, (barely). Looking at the George Fox roster, they're only bringing in one freshman this year. UPS roster hasn't been posted yet, but my spies tell me they'll have two freshmen and a few transfers.

I'm looking forward to another great season!
Go G. Fox ;D
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on December 06, 2007, 05:12:22 PM
testing, testing....is this board on?

Looking forward to watching my first Linfield game this season on Saturday.  Looks like my 'Cats will have their hands full with EOU.
Title: Catdomehoops.com
Post by: wildcat11 on December 31, 2007, 02:04:29 PM
Catdomealumni.com is proud to announce the launch of our sister site that follows the Linfield women hoopsters:  Catdomehoops.com!

Catdomehoops.com (http://www.catdomehoops.com)

Catdomehoops.com features a blog that palyers will contribute to, a highlight video vault, and other information on the Linfield women's program.

Go 'Cats!
Title: Re: Catdomehoops.com
Post by: swiss on December 31, 2007, 05:41:21 PM
Quote from: wildcat11 on December 31, 2007, 02:04:29 PM
Catdomealumni.com is proud to announce the launch of our sister site that follows the Linfield women hoopsters:  Catdomehoops.com!

Catdomehoops.com (http://www.catdomehoops.com)

Catdomehoops.com features a blog that palyers will contribute to, a highlight video vault, and other information on the Linfield women's program.

Go 'Cats!

Nice job WC!  Good luck to you.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: pineconefan on January 14, 2008, 01:47:57 AM
Nice work on the new site 11, but tough luck on the timing.   Wildcats off to a tough NWC start.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on January 15, 2008, 12:03:33 AM
Yeah, I hope I'm not a jinx.  The 'Cats will get back in the thick of things and I'm hopeful we can make a wild run for that 3rd spot.  We did start 1-3 in NWC play last year so my hope isn't dashed as of yet.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Helpside on January 21, 2008, 01:40:42 PM
Interesting weekend in the NWC.

PLU with two big wins out of nowhere.
Tough weekend for Whitworth/Whitman

GFU still sitting pretty.

L & C looking to get above .500

Any comments from the crowd?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on January 22, 2008, 02:43:53 AM
In the L & C game vs. GFU, the leading scorer Castle had trouble involving herself offensively, held way below her league-leading scoring average.  GFU has been able to hold leading scorer's for NW teams well below their averages, or force them to a low FG %.  Hirsh for Puget sound shot 4-16 against the Bruins, Lassiter was 5-16, and Castle only put up like 3 points on Fri.  Their mettle should be tested as they head up to the Whits.  Whitworth gave them their only non-Linfield loss in conf. last year
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Helpside on January 23, 2008, 03:57:17 PM
Big Match-ups this Friday...

Any predictions for GFU -- WM? Think Fox could get first conference loss?
PLU-LINFIELD will be a battle
and UPS at LC is always scary....

What are we thinking?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Helpside on January 30, 2008, 02:22:30 PM
Second half of season coming up....

Some intense match-ups.

Any predictions for who comes out on top after this weekend of play? ???
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 30, 2008, 02:29:03 PM
I neglected to welcome a new poster, whoops. :)

I don't have any predictions here but just wanted to say, welcome aboard!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 01, 2008, 01:58:52 PM
I don't want to make any predictions, but I will say that UPS-GFU is the game of the month for sure, game of the week for women's basketball
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on February 03, 2008, 04:55:06 PM
Loggers upset the Buins last night. It was a very exciting game, and really wasn't in the bag until about 3 minutes left in the game. GFU played well inside, but had a hard time taking care of the ball. UPS forced 23 turnovers to 5 for GFU. That was huge. We'll probably get to see these team play two more times this year, just like last year. What matters is who wins the last game. I would not be suprized if both teams win out the balance of conference play, and if this happens, I believe the seeding into the NWC playoff would be decided by drawing lots.

The competion for the important 3rd place is certainly heating up. I'm not sure I'd be willing to guess on that right now. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 04, 2008, 12:10:15 AM
I usually post over on the men's boards, but I did want to throw out a Congrats to the UPS women's team for a huge win against G Fox last night! :)

...I only wish the men coud have followed suit :-\
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Helpside on February 04, 2008, 01:05:47 PM
I would like to post on this weekends games as well.

I was fortunate enough to be able to make the trip to the UPS/GFU game - and it was exciting!

UPS played phenomenal. Contributions for several players made it hard for GFU to compete. Ely had 6 steals, all off Behary I think. Harter hit a couple big 3's and Hirsh turned the game with a running jumper.

Basic Difference: UPS had emotion and used it to fuel their play. GFU looked surprised and in shock. I don't think they expected UPS to come out play them with such intensity.

As far as the comment about both teams finishing without any more losses on the regular season - I'd have to shy away from that comment. UPS has some big road trips coming up against tough competition and GFU doesn't have an easy road either.

In the NWC any given night....

Good win Loggers - it was a pleasure to watch such a good game this weekend.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 09, 2008, 02:47:55 PM
Another good weekend for the Loggers...now they get to sit back tonight and watch everyone duke it out
Title: playoff seeding
Post by: Pugetsoundfan on February 11, 2008, 12:17:36 AM
Looking too far ahead, if GFU and UPS finish tied at the top of the league and split their head-to-heads, who hosts the league tournament final?
Title: Re: playoff seeding
Post by: LogShow on February 11, 2008, 03:04:09 PM
Quote from: Pugetsoundfan on February 11, 2008, 12:17:36 AM
Looking too far ahead, if GFU and UPS finish tied at the top of the league and split their head-to-heads, who hosts the league tournament final?

Not sure how it will work out...but if it comes down to more tie-breaks then head-to-head against other teams.  G Fox or UPS will get the short end of the deal.  Hopefully it won't end up in a coin flip...as Whitman knows
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on February 11, 2008, 05:20:11 PM
Regarding the tie breakers between GFU and UPS, in the case that both teams win out through the conference play, (no small feat in the NWC) - Unfortunately, as I read the 8 tie breakers, they would remain tied through Number 7. Number 8 involves a drawing of lots that occured last fall. I don't know who has what number. The tie breakers can be found on the NWC website under governanace of winter sports.

On the bright side, if they both win out, I'd be suprized if they both did not go to the NCAA tournament, regardless of the outcome of the NWC post season play-off.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 12, 2008, 12:52:32 PM
Not that polls matter but UPS got the short end in the lastest poll.  They only moved up one spot while G Fox jumped back up to 12th...how does that work?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 13, 2008, 02:34:32 AM
I think GFU has the tiebreaker, but doesn't Sempert system come before coin flip?  I would think that would settle things. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on February 13, 2008, 12:02:44 PM
The following is from the NWC rules:
6.1.2 In case of a tie in the regular season Conference standing affecting
post-season advancement, tie shall be broken by:
1. Head to Head competition in conference games only
2. Results against all teams above those tied in conference games
only
3. Results against above teams in rank order in conference games
only
4. Order of losses beginning with the 9th seed and moving up to
the tied teams
5. Best conference road record
6. Sempert System in conference games
7. record versus non-conference common opponents at a common
site
8. Pre-arranged draw by Athletic Directors at the fall meeting

The Sempert System is only for conference ganes, which would be a wash for GFU and UPS if both teams win out. Do you know what the results of the drawing of lots was last fall?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Helpside on February 13, 2008, 01:15:24 PM
I hate to be the damper on a sunny conversation but...

Last time I checked...

This weekend was huge for NWC play
Fox plays LC and Pacific, two teams that are scrappy and dangerous in league play.
UPS goes to WM/WW - a VERY hard road trip for any team.

I don't know that there is any reason to be considering tie - breakers at this point. I could eat my words but there is still plenty of room for teams to improve/hurt their records....just a thought to keep in mind.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on February 13, 2008, 01:50:46 PM
I absolutely agree - there are no sure things in the NWC. Both GFU and UPS play LC, Whitworth and Whitman over the next two weekends, and they will not be easy games. In addition, GFU needs to get by Pacific and UPS needs to take on Willamette. 

Having said that, both GFU and UPS are playing strong, and would be the odds-on pick for any of these games.  IF they win out, then the decision as to who is the number one seed to the tournament would come down to what number the AD picked last fall. I don't know who has what number, and I'm guessing no one will say until after the last game is played next weekend, (probably as it should be). The impact would be the need for the second seed to play the 3rd seed, (currently LC, but both Whitman and Whitworth have a shot, especially if they can knock off either UPS or GFU), and would loose home court advantage to the number 1 seed. That could be a big factor, based on some of the home cooking I've seen @ GFU over the years.

Lots of excitement in the NWC for the next few weeks!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 13, 2008, 10:50:34 PM
Wanted to say congrats to UPS for having a #3 west region ranking...good work!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pugetsoundfan on February 14, 2008, 09:02:18 PM
I just wanted to say that I saw GFU lose at UPS.  The Loggers are strong, it was a convincing win, and as always Puget Sound was incredibly well-coached.  Barcomb is a gem.   But GFU moved the ball as well as any basketball team, M or F, I have ever seen.  They were a joy to watch in the half court offense, and they're a credit to their coach and the league.  NWC basketball is pretty darn good!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 17, 2008, 06:19:26 PM
Though a small stumble, UPS is still in 1st place.  IF they can win both at home they will be looking very good.  I think they have the tie breaker over G Fox now (assuming both teams win both games this weekend).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on February 20, 2008, 12:01:44 PM
Things are just a little bit more clear in the NWC tournament picture. LC will be the third place team, since Whitworth and Whitman can't match their record with only one game left to play. Assuming LC wins both their games this weekend, and UPS and GFU were to loose both games, there would be a 3 way tie for first place, but LC would loose the 3rd tie breaker to both UPS and GFU (Best conference road record), since they would have lost 3 road games to 2 each for GFU and UPS. so, 3rd place is settled, but where will they play on Wednesday?

If either GFU or UPS looses a game, and the other does not, the looser obviously gets the second seed. If both win, or loose equal number of games, I beilieve it still goes to the draw the ADs did last fall. We'll see what happens.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 20, 2008, 11:58:27 PM
Are you sure about that one?

UPS and G Fox have losses to different teams.  Assuming both teams get the weekend sweep.  UPS should have the tie-breaker.  Because after head-to-head, it goes record against teams from the top of the standings down...UPS lost to Whitman while Fox lost to LC.  LC is higher then Whitman...so UPS would get the tie breaker.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on February 21, 2008, 01:52:31 PM
Logshow,
I learned a long time ago, I'm not sure about anything. Here's what I've based my opinion on:
From the NWC web site, the following are the tie breaking critreia:
6.1.2 In case of a tie in the regular-season Conference standing affecting
post-season advancement, ties shall be broken by:
1. Head-to-Head competition in conference games only
2. Results against above teams in rank order in conference games only
3. Best conference road record
4. Sempert System in conference game
5. Record versus non-conference common opponents at a common site
6. Pre-arranged draw by Athletic Directors at the fall meeting
(Adopted January 2008)
Tie breaking procedure to be used to break all ties including ties for 1st place.
(Adopted January 2005)

1. Head-to-Head is a wash, both GFU and UPS losing in the other's gym.
2. The key word on this one is "above". Since there are no teams above these two in the conference, this one is a wash. If this is to mean that you compare all the way down the list, then I would think GFU would get the tie breaker, since it would make no sence to reward a team for losing to a lower ranked team, or penilize a team for losing to a higher ranked team. This one maybe subject to some interpretation.
3. As of now, both teams have identical conference road records, and since they both play at home this weekend, so no change is possible.
4. Sempert system - This system awards more points for wins and losses on the road, and also for 50% and above win % teams vs. below 50% teams. At this time, it's a wash, but this could come into play if UPS were to lose to Willamette, since they are below50%. If this happened, GFU would win the tie breaker.
5. GFU and UPS had no common non-conference opponents, that played at a common site.
6. And we're down to the ugly one. The numbers were drawn last fall, but nobody I knows is saying who has what number.

Kind of wordy, but I think that's the breakdown in the NWC.  Unless one of these teams melts down in the next week, I think they'll both get invited to the NCAA tournament. An interesting possible development, what if LC were to win the NWC tournament? NWC could potentially send 3 teams!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 21, 2008, 03:50:23 PM
Well one thing is for sure...you are right on about UPS and G Fox both getting bids.

I just hope they don't have to play each other again in the 2nd round
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 22, 2008, 06:29:28 PM
Wanted to give the Lady Loggers a shout out and say GOOD LUCK tonight!  Go get a huge win against LC!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on February 23, 2008, 11:17:50 AM
Logshow,

Interesting thing, the NWC clarified their tie breaker rule yesterday, and you were right, UPS now holds the 2nd tie breaker by virtue of beating LC (the third ranked team) twice. All the loggers need to do is to win tonight, and they will get the number 1 seed, to play the winner of GFU and LC this Friday.

GFU looked strong last night, but UPS did manage to win, even though it wasn't exactly a "pretty" win. Good luck tonight, and next week Loggers!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 23, 2008, 11:34:13 AM
Sweet!  thanks for the update!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 23, 2008, 08:28:40 PM
Best of luck tonight ladies!  Bring home that NWC crown!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 24, 2008, 01:15:11 PM
Congrats ladies!  Conference Champs and a #1 seed in the NWC tourney, way to go! :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Helpside on February 25, 2008, 12:51:46 PM
Loggers - Congrats on the number one finish in conference! Well deserved.

I'm excited for the Friday 7:00 game. It will be a battle of bragging rights that is for sure!!

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 25, 2008, 12:54:31 PM
Yep! And the great thing for the Loggers is that it appears they should have an at-large bid all sealed up...but only as an insurance policy :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 26, 2008, 12:01:32 AM
Congratulations to Katy Campbell and Coach Rueck for repeating as player of the year and coach of the year
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pio20 on February 26, 2008, 01:26:37 AM
Big game Wednesday as the Pios try to beat George Fox again.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 26, 2008, 02:19:03 AM
Congrats to the 3 UPS seniors making all-league great job!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 26, 2008, 02:20:42 AM
When does Coach Barcome get some recognition?  I thought she deserved COY this year.  UPS has had a very impressive year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 26, 2008, 02:21:44 AM
Quote from: Pio20 on February 26, 2008, 01:26:37 AM
Big game Wednesday as the Pios try to beat George Fox again.

Yes it is!  And I definately wouldn't mind seeing LC get the upset!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 27, 2008, 11:31:13 PM
3 min left GFU is up 7...61-54
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 27, 2008, 11:46:10 PM
GFU up 2 with Campbell at the line 23 seconds
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 27, 2008, 11:46:40 PM
Wow, LC hits a 3 to tie with with 13 seconds left!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 27, 2008, 11:48:42 PM
GFU cant get a shot off...OT
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 27, 2008, 11:52:47 PM
GFU student announcers have some interesting filler conversation...writing papers and their intramural game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 28, 2008, 12:04:17 AM
Looks like GFU barely squeaks by LC.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 28, 2008, 12:07:28 AM
Well looks like GFU will be making the trek back up to Tacoma, the site of their last loss, on Friday.  UPS will be ready and waiting.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on February 28, 2008, 01:01:20 AM
What was the score?  The George Fox livestats are stuck in the first quarter.  No updates.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 28, 2008, 01:11:58 AM
The NWC website has the score posted 71-76 GFU
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 28, 2008, 01:58:49 AM
76-71 George Fox won in Overtime.  Really a spectacular second half.  I thought George Fox was close to putting this one away at halftime, as they tend to play much better at home than they do on the road, but Lewis & Clark stuck it out, Kittell harassed Behary everytime as the Pios used a successful press all night.  Then they started hitting some remarkable shots, including a straight-on three pointer off the backboard by Vega, followed by an Allison Farr three pointer to tie it up and send it into overtime.  George Fox made plays in OT and pulled it out, but you have to hand it to the Pios, they really made some impressive strides over the last couple week of the season and posed a legitimate threat as the #3 seed in the NWC
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 02, 2008, 03:35:19 PM
Let me be the first to congratulate the UPS women's basketball team:

Conference Champs

NWC tourneament Champs!

Great job ladies!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 02, 2008, 03:36:35 PM
Best of luck in the NCAAs.  I think UPS can make a deep run.  It will be interesting to see the brackets.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 02, 2008, 03:54:35 PM
I am thinking UPS has a good shot at hosting the first weekend
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 02, 2008, 06:53:05 PM
They would certainly deserve to host, perhaps GFU and the two Cal teams
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 02, 2008, 11:37:42 PM
yeah that will likely be the case.  Too bad that most likely GFU and UPS will have to play each other in the second round...just like last year.  They have played enough put them on opposite sides of the bracket!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 02, 2008, 11:46:21 PM
Quote from: LogShow on March 02, 2008, 11:37:42 PM
yeah that will likely be the case.  Too bad that most likely GFU and UPS will have to play each other in the second round...just like last year.  They have played enough put them on opposite sides of the bracket!
No more so than McMurry and HPU who might meet each other for the fourth time this season.  :-\

The difference in 2008 is that there were three teams in Texas that may give us the three-team pod.  I think that McMurry might host Trinity, and the winner goes to HPU.

I think that the UPS winner might come to HPU.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 03, 2008, 01:56:19 PM
Congrats to UPS for hosting the first two rounds!  You deserve it!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 03, 2008, 01:57:38 PM
Things are all set up for the second consecutive year of UPS playing GFU for the 4th time.  Too bad.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 03, 2008, 01:58:49 PM
Looks like if UPS gets out of the first two rounds they will be rewarded with a trip to play Hope.  Wouldn't that be a great upset.  Just like last year's win over Howard Pyane!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 03, 2008, 02:34:21 PM
Actually the winner out of this section gets to likely face off against Hope, and then play Howard Payne, both undefeated and ranked in the top 3, probably the toughest quarter of the bracket
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 03, 2008, 02:50:30 PM
Right, I said they would be rewarded with a trip to Hope. 
The Howard Payne refernce was in regards to the Logger's upset win over them in last year's tournament.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 04, 2008, 04:19:45 PM
with their win against GFU in the conference championship game UPS moves up to #16 in the latest poll.  Congrats!


GFU dropped to #22.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 07, 2008, 03:07:27 AM
Protect the home court Logs!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 08, 2008, 03:49:33 PM
Hey Logs, I just wanted you to know that my "anyone but UPS" comment doesn't apply to women's BB.  So, for tonight, I just have to say "GO LOGGERS, BEAT THE BRUINS!"

And for your sake, I hope your refs see through that innocent school girl thing that GFU women have that allows them to draw fouls.  They foul with such a sweet face, it usually gets blamed on the other team!  Just look at their trips to the FT line if you doubt it.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 09, 2008, 12:09:10 AM
That was in full affect tonight...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 09, 2008, 12:10:49 AM
The UPS women had a great season, and should keep their heads up.  They fought back tough against GFU tonight.  Unfortunately GFU hit just about every 3 that they threw up there tonight.  And UPS was playing behind GFU's posts the entire second half ???  But they fought back in it and got to with in 3 with 2 to go
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 09, 2008, 12:11:09 AM
Great season ladies! You should  be proud!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 09, 2008, 01:09:42 AM
Hey Logs -- sorry about the loss for your UPS women.  I kept checking the livestats and couldn't believe that GFU was winning, but my theory about the fouls hold.  I don't know how they get away with them, but they totally cream people and manage to get the foul called on the other person.   I did notice they had way more trips to the FT line.

Well, I hope GFU represents the NWC well, but I really did want the Loggers!  (Wow, my ears can't believe what my mouth is saying!)

What's really too bad is that every darn year, GFU or UPS or PLU end up eliminating one another in the 2nd round.  Doesn't it happen about every year?

I know --- it's about $$$ and geography -- but it still bugs me.

Great season for both teams!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 09, 2008, 01:10:16 AM
From looking at the stats -- it really was raining 3's, wasn't it?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 09, 2008, 03:41:30 PM
Quote from: bbaddict on March 09, 2008, 01:10:16 AM
From looking at the stats -- it really was raining 3's, wasn't it?

Man GFU couldn't miss!  Hats off to them for a great preformance.  I hope they go far and make the NWC proud...both they and UPS are great teams
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 09, 2008, 03:43:54 PM
Quote from: bbaddict on March 09, 2008, 01:09:42 AM
Hey Logs -- sorry about the loss for your UPS women.  I kept checking the livestats and couldn't believe that GFU was winning, but my theory about the fouls hold.  I don't know how they get away with them, but they totally cream people and manage to get the foul called on the other person.   I did notice they had way more trips to the FT line.

Well, I hope GFU represents the NWC well, but I really did want the Loggers!  (Wow, my ears can't believe what my mouth is saying!)

What's really too bad is that every darn year, GFU or UPS or PLU end up eliminating one another in the 2nd round.  Doesn't it happen about every year?

I know --- it's about $$$ and geography -- but it still bugs me.

Great season for both teams!

It really is too bad, but unfortunately that is the nature of the beast...always has always will be.  I think its too bad as well.  I wouldn't mind if they had to meet in the Sweet 16 but 2nd round just seems a bit too early.  But with the considerations D3 takes into account thats the way the chips fall.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: big_al on March 10, 2008, 08:02:27 PM
Well, since I haven't heard it said yet. WAY TO GO BRUINS!!!

Was rootin' for ya the whole way. Super proud of you girls and good luck in Texas!

Congrats to the Loggers and their great season as well, everything to be proud of there as well. As stated plenty so far, it is really a shame for these teams to have to meet again before the finals.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 12, 2008, 11:45:52 PM
I think the Bruins have a great chance to beat Hope on Friday.  The FD are without their backup point guard Kopke, not that it mattered in the first two rounds, but it could hurt them in some way against the George Fox.  If the Bruins stick to their nation-leading defense, they could definitely pose some problems for Hope.  They're in Brownwood now and they will definitely be refreshed from last week and mentally prepared for Friday night's showdown.  If they beat Hope, playing back to back should favor them since they've been using that NWC Friday-Sat. schedule all year, although I'm sure HPU/DeSales will be well-conditioned for Saturday's game.  Regardless of outcome, I think GFU-Hope will be a highly competitive game, I would be surprised if a blowout occurred.   
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 13, 2008, 01:20:44 PM
Quote from: 80sshorts on March 12, 2008, 11:45:52 PM
I think the Bruins have a great chance to beat Hope on Friday.  The FD are without their backup point guard Kopke, not that it mattered in the first two rounds, but it could hurt them in some way against the George Fox.  If the Bruins stick to their nation-leading defense, they could definitely pose some problems for Hope.  They're in Brownwood now and they will definitely be refreshed from last week and mentally prepared for Friday night's showdown.  If they beat Hope, playing back to back should favor them since they've been using that NWC Friday-Sat. schedule all year, although I'm sure HPU/DeSales will be well-conditioned for Saturday's game.  Regardless of outcome, I think GFU-Hope will be a highly competitive game, I would be surprised if a blowout occurred.   

Well if GFU shoots the ball like they did against UPS from the 3 (11 for 18), then they will be just fine.  I wish them luck, they are a good and well coached team.

It would be another great win for the NWC if they can take down undefeated Hope!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 05:47:22 PM
George Fox vs. Hope on deck:
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 14, 2008, 06:10:54 PM
Now underway :)

Good luck to GFU!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 06:13:24 PM
George Fox up 2 on Hope at 1st time out, 15-13, less than 15 min left in 1st half.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 06:20:41 PM
George Fox up 21-17 on Hope, approx 10 minutes left in 1st half (2nd timeout).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 06:30:01 PM
GFU 28, Hope 24 (3rd time out, approx 5 min left in 1st half
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 14, 2008, 06:36:30 PM
Tied at 28, GFU needs to get back into a good offensive flow, they're getting into one of their scoring ruts
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 14, 2008, 06:36:48 PM
Thanks for the update WLCALUM!  I cant listen to all the games at once :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 06:40:54 PM
Still tied at 28 at halftime:
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 14, 2008, 06:41:33 PM
Good first half for the Bruins, they've been competing with Hope, keeping the score close, and this is with Campbell on the bench with foul trouble for much of the half.  Now she has three to spare in the 2nd half
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 14, 2008, 06:49:04 PM
Quote from: 80sshorts on March 14, 2008, 06:41:33 PM
Good first half for the Bruins, they've been competing with Hope, keeping the score close, and this is with Campbell on the bench with foul trouble for much of the half.  Now she has three to spare in the 2nd half

Sound like GFU is in a pretty good position!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 06:53:44 PM
Behary hit a couple of 3's which helps GFU a lot. Marek-Farris has blocked Hope's Snikkers' shots (Hope's veteran radio announcer's been impresse with Marek-Farris' defense thus far.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 07:05:37 PM
Hope 34, GFU 33, 13:28 left in 2nd.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bbaddict on March 14, 2008, 07:06:28 PM
Go Bruins.  Rain em with 3's!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 07:13:00 PM
Hope up 35-33, approx 10 minutes left in 2nd (been a boatload of missed shots and turnovers on both ends much of the half)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NW Hope Fan on March 14, 2008, 07:17:40 PM
How deep is this GF team?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 14, 2008, 07:18:01 PM
What a great defensive performance for GFU
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 14, 2008, 07:18:37 PM
This is like a game GFU played against Linfield a year and a half ago in Newberg where both teams couldn't get anything going
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 07:20:18 PM
GFU up 39-37 with approx 6 min to go.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 14, 2008, 07:26:50 PM
Keep those updates coming!  :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 07:29:28 PM
Hope is now up 2, 42-40  2:57 left. (This poster's sensing a real chess match from here on out!)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 07:33:25 PM
Hope got another defensive stop.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 07:34:34 PM
Hope up 47-40  less than 1 minute left.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NW Hope Fan on March 14, 2008, 07:34:54 PM
Hope pulling away...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NW Hope Fan on March 14, 2008, 07:35:56 PM
Heck of a challenge tonight for the ladies, would like to see better shooting tomorrow!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NW Hope Fan on March 14, 2008, 07:36:39 PM
Way to represent GF!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: WLCALUM83 on March 14, 2008, 07:40:12 PM
Hope 47, GFU 40  final
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 14, 2008, 08:51:49 PM
Great season for the Bruins, just a few more baskets and they would've been in the Elite 8.  Hope showed why they're such a complete team, even when their leading scorer gets held to a point, they find other ways to produce, and they made all the big plays at the end.  What a fantastic game, I would love to see these two teams play against each other in some nonconference games in the future.  That's about only the second time GFU has had to face a team with a huge post that could hit threes.  The game favored George Fox's defensive pace, but you've got to score more than 12 points in a half to win.  Congratulations to the Bruins, and may Hope fare well tomorrow night against a potential road dogfight against Howard Payne.  If they end up playing at home for the Final Four, they deserve to host as far as I'm concerned.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on October 25, 2008, 04:40:23 AM
Lady Logs back for another season...lets go!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BearcatFan on November 22, 2008, 09:50:50 PM
Congrats to the Bearcats on the Tournament win over NMH today - Great work, ladies! Especially impressive play from our guards Alex, Tiana, Molly and Jenny!

Nice way to compliment our boy's Round 1-D3 Football Tournament win at McCullough over Oxy!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on December 05, 2008, 01:45:42 AM
GFU Bruins getting closer to a Top 25 spot.  Gordon is amazing, she can shoot the light s out, and she's a freshman
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Bearcat Press on December 09, 2008, 12:15:54 AM
Willamette head coach Bruce Henderson collapsed during practice and died earlier this evening.  Please keep Coach Henderson's family, his team, and the Willamette community in your thoughts and prayers.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on December 09, 2008, 04:19:42 AM
That's terrible news, they will be on my mind for the entire season. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on December 09, 2008, 08:42:59 AM
Quote from: BearcatPress on December 09, 2008, 12:15:54 AM
Willamette head coach Bruce Henderson collapsed during practice and died earlier this evening.  Please keep Coach Henderson's family, his team, and the Willamette community in your thoughts and prayers.
Prayers lifted! 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: badgerwarhawk on December 09, 2008, 11:27:03 AM
My condolences to all of those impacted by his passing. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Hoosier Titan on December 09, 2008, 11:54:01 AM
I'm very sorry to read the news about Coach Henderson.  My thoughts are with the entire Willamette community.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on December 09, 2008, 01:41:56 PM
That is really horrible news and I have a hard time wrapping my mind around that the players watched their coach pass away right in front of them.  That's beyond tragic.  I'm sure Willamette will provide the players and Coach Henderson's family with all the possible help they need.  My condolences.  -11
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: pineconefan on December 09, 2008, 05:11:42 PM
Sports become pretty trivial at a time like this.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Henderson's family, the Willamette players and the Willamette athletic department.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BearcatFan on December 09, 2008, 08:34:10 PM
Coach Bruce will be missed. He leaves us way too early. :'(

Prayers going out for his family, the Women's team (especially Jenny and Molly) and the entire Willamette community.

Here's the link (http://www.willamette.edu/athletics/news/article/2008/12/willamette_womens_basketball_coach_bruce_henderson_passes_aw.xml) to the story on the Willamette website. 



Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on December 16, 2008, 03:34:31 PM
My sympathies for the family and players of Coach Henderson.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on December 18, 2008, 11:14:08 PM
For those of you who may be interested I just posted up the opening clip of the Linfield 2007-08 hoops highlight DVD.  The clip is embedded on the main page.

CATDOMEHOOPS.COM MAIN PAGE (http://www.catdomehoops.com)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on December 26, 2008, 11:43:23 AM
The Lady Loggers are set to return to action tommorw night against Luther College at UPS.  This will be the first game played in Memorial Fieldhouse since it was repaired and opened back up.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on December 28, 2008, 06:52:37 PM
Good win for UPS last night...big game tonight against the #2 team in the nation.  Good Luck!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on December 29, 2008, 08:55:03 PM
Tough game for the Logs...IWU is tough.  Good luck to the Logs as league play starts!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on January 02, 2009, 03:21:02 PM
Well...NWC play starts tonight.  Looks like Fox hasn't missed a beat this year with Whitman being a major threat. 

BTW.....Catdomehoops.com (http://www.catdomehoops.com) has loaded up the video highlights from Linfield's 07-08 season.  You can check them out at the Video Vault (http://www.catdomehoops.com/flash/08intro/2008intro.html)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on January 03, 2009, 08:49:54 PM
Good Luck tonight Loggers!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on January 04, 2009, 02:37:29 PM
Great weekend Loggers...heck of a defensive effort!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on January 18, 2009, 04:48:45 PM
Has anyone seen PLU play this year?  I'm curious to see how much they've improved upon last year, their 3-0 start seems pretty impressive including that 33 point win over UPS, and it looks like they're somewhat deep.  Anybody think they'll be legit contenders for the NWC tournament title?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 19, 2009, 01:28:28 AM
I haven't seen PLU play this year. It's certainly too early to rule them out of having a chance at winning the NWC tournament title. I would give any team that makes the conference tournament a chance at winning it and PLU will be in the hunt for playing beyond the regular season.

I'm looking forward to see how the game between the Lutes and the Bruins turns out on Saturday.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 29, 2009, 10:26:29 PM
Any predictions for the 2nd half of conference play?

Here is how I think the final standings will play out.

1. George Fox - Just too much of a lead and only away games are at UPS, Pacific, and Linfield.
2. UPS - Home games against the top teams, and toughest road games will be Pacific and LC.

With all the thinking that this year would break up the recent lock George Fox and Puget Sound have had on the NW Conference, nothing much will have changed by play-off time.

3. Whitman - Makes the conference play-offs with a solid 3rd place finish.

Conference play-offs have expanded to four teams this year. So who earns the 4th spot?

I believe it will be a close battle between Whitworth, PLU, and Pacific. (yes the Boxers)

Drum roll .............

4. Pacific - Based on a 2nd half with only 3 away games. They travel to Linfield, Willamette, and a pivotal game at PLU.  If they can defend the home court, they just might make it in. PLU and Whitworth each have 5 road games.

I don't think the Lewis and Clark Pioneers will make a serious run as they have 5 road games on the schedule.

Maybe I'm putting too much emphasis on away games, but I think the conference is usually strong enough that any win on the road does not come easily.

Looking forward to the next 4 weeks of basketball. Anyone else want to join the conversation?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LA RAMS on January 30, 2009, 07:47:19 AM
I got to see Whitman play here in the Twin Cities back in November when they played at the Macalester Classic.  I was very impressed with them and I thought they'd have a decent shot at winning the NWC.

Would like to see more matchups between MIAC and NWC teams during the regular season as we don't seem to fare too well against you guys in the NCAA Tournament.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on January 31, 2009, 06:13:02 AM
I also see UPS pulling away with the 2nd seed, especially after Whitman lost tonight to Pacific.  It seems like UPS doesn't always have enough firepower, but they did give George Fox a very tough game a couple weeks ago in Newberg, the Bruins could have trouble when they go back up to Tacoma next week...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pugetsoundfan on February 04, 2009, 09:50:43 PM
The Logs don't have much firepower, but wow are they solid defensively and smart offensively.  It'd be hard to ignore Fox going undefeated or darn close with 10 frosh, but Barcomb has done a truly amazing job with this crew--coach of the year?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 05, 2009, 02:41:27 AM
Got to agree with you Pugetsoundfan.  Barcomb is a great coach!  Big big game for UPS this saturday.  UPS might get GFU.

What do you think 80sshorts...nervous at all?  Also you were by chance at the GFU men's game last Saturday against Whitman?  Sounds like the old coach from UPS got a bit animated.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on February 05, 2009, 02:20:54 PM
First time to post a comment. 

The GFU-UPS women's game should be a great one this weekend.  Both teams seem to have improved over the past few weeks.  Scott Rueck has taken a team with no returning starters, only one senior and 9 frosh to #5 (WBCA)/#6(D3Hoops) in the country and undefeated for the year.  You can't do any better than that.   

I was at the GFU-Whitman men's game last weekend.  The Whitman coach lost it when one of his players was called for a flagrant foul with about 1 minute to go in the game and Whitman down by 4 or 5 I think.  He was hit with two technicals and kept yelling at the refs as he left the floor. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 07, 2009, 03:15:44 AM
If I were George Fox I would be very worried about Puget Sound on the road.  It looks like UPS has their groove back and the Fieldhouse is not a fun place for the Bruins to play.  If GFU loses any games in their regular season, tomorrow will be the one.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 07, 2009, 04:25:18 PM
Quote from: 80sshorts on February 07, 2009, 03:15:44 AM
If I were George Fox I would be very worried about Puget Sound on the road.  It looks like UPS has their groove back and the Fieldhouse is not a fun place for the Bruins to play.  If GFU loses any games in their regular season, tomorrow will be the one.

I don't believe George Fox is taking anything for granted playing Puget Sound tonight. They made the drive up to Tacoma last night after their win against Lewis and Clark.

I agree this game is the main threat to end their winning streak. The Bruins expect a tough game and know they will need to play well to win.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 07, 2009, 09:35:50 PM
Halftime and George Fox leads UPS 21-10.
I can only by the Live Stats, but both teams struggled to make shots. I don't know if everyone came out tight or a result of smothering defense which both these teams are capable of doing.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 08, 2009, 12:16:35 PM
Quote from: Pugetsoundfan on February 04, 2009, 09:50:43 PM
The Logs don't have much firepower, but wow are they solid defensively and smart offensively.  It'd be hard to ignore Fox going undefeated or darn close with 10 frosh, but Barcomb has done a truly amazing job with this crew--coach of the year?
And from LogShow
"Got to agree with you Pugetsoundfan.  Barcomb is a great coach!  Big big game for UPS this saturday."

Early in the season I did some calculations based on last year's 16-game conference schedule. I calculated how many minutes played last year in conference by players that are back this year on each team. The percent is total minutes played in conference divided by 3200 minutes. (16 games at 200 minutes per game). If a player started at least 8 games, I counted her as a starter. I have not gone back to check that players on the roster in December are still with their respective teams.

Team       % minutes       # returning (starters)       07-08 conf. wins
PLU             71%                   6 (4)                               7
Whitworth   61%                   5 (3)                               8
Whitman     60%                   8 (2)                               8
Pacific          53%                   4 (3)                               3
Willamette   50%                   4 (2)                               3
UPS             48%                   6 (2)                             14
Lewis&Clark 40%                   8 (2)                             10
Linfield         17%                   2 (1)                              5
George Fox   16%                   4 (0)                            14

Now take the number of conference wins from last year and multiply it by the percent of conference minutes returning for this year. I use this to factor in competitive level and to help gauge what a coach has to work with to start the year.

UPS             6.72
PLU             4.97
Whitworth   4.88
Whitman     4.80
Lewis&Clark 4.00
George Fox  2.24
Pacific          1.59
Willamette   1.50
Linfield         0.85

I do agree that Coach Barcomb is a good coach and is always competing for the conference title, but this year Coach Rueck has put together a team that has had to learn so much on the fly and through it all managed to have the longest winning streak in school history.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 08, 2009, 04:46:27 PM
Solid win for the Bruins last night.  The 2nd place team in the league literally couldn't hit a shot in the first half.  Now that they've taken care of Puget Sound, I see it 90% likely that they're going to run the table in the Northwest Conference, unless they hiccup bigtime against Willamette or PLU 2 weekends from now. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 08, 2009, 07:15:35 PM
80sshorts,
Don't forget about the game this Tuesday at Pacific. On the road and the potential for a let down after getting the big win over the Loggers. Pacific is fighting for a play-off spot. Bruins will be the favorite, but they must stay focused.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 08, 2009, 08:20:28 PM
Quote from: BruinFan on February 08, 2009, 12:16:35 PM
Quote from: Pugetsoundfan on February 04, 2009, 09:50:43 PM
The Logs don't have much firepower, but wow are they solid defensively and smart offensively.  It'd be hard to ignore Fox going undefeated or darn close with 10 frosh, but Barcomb has done a truly amazing job with this crew--coach of the year?
And from LogShow
"Got to agree with you Pugetsoundfan.  Barcomb is a great coach!  Big big game for UPS this saturday."

Early in the season I did some calculations based on last year's 16-game conference schedule. I calculated how many minutes played last year in conference by players that are back this year on each team. The percent is total minutes played in conference divided by 3200 minutes. (16 games at 200 minutes per game). If a player started at least 8 games, I counted her as a starter. I have not gone back to check that players on the roster in December are still with their respective teams.

Team       % minutes       # returning (starters)       07-08 conf. wins
PLU             71%                   6 (4)                               7
Whitworth   61%                   5 (3)                               8
Whitman     60%                   8 (2)                               8
Pacific          53%                   4 (3)                               3
Willamette   50%                   4 (2)                               3
UPS             48%                   6 (2)                             14
Lewis&Clark 40%                   8 (2)                             10
Linfield         17%                   2 (1)                              5
George Fox   16%                   4 (0)                            14

Now take the number of conference wins from last year and multiply it by the percent of conference minutes returning for this year. I use this to factor in competitive level and to help gauge what a coach has to work with to start the year.

UPS             6.72
PLU             4.97
Whitworth   4.88
Whitman     4.80
Lewis&Clark 4.00
George Fox  2.24
Pacific          1.59
Willamette   1.50
Linfield         0.85

I do agree that Coach Barcomb is a good coach and is always competing for the conference title, but this year Coach Rueck has put together a team that has had to learn so much on the fly and through it all managed to have the longest winning streak in school history.

uh, that is a lot of math...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 08, 2009, 10:11:11 PM
LogShow,
Fair enough, I know all the numbers aren't for everyone. How about this? After 12 conference games, George Fox averages more points than anyone else and gives up the least points. Scott Rueck for coach of the year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on February 09, 2009, 01:43:56 AM
BruinFan,

Thanks for the analysis.  The Bruins have had an amazing year so far.  Here are some numbers I think about in relation to this team:

0 - No returning starters
1 - Only one senior of the team
4 - Number of returning starters for NEXT year
5 - Currently #5 in the country
10 - Ten freshmen on the team, and they all can play
12 and 0 - Current conference record
21 and 0 - Current season record
21.5 - Average margin of victory
249 - Number of wins in Scott Rueck's time at George Fox in 13 years (249 wins and 85 losses)

Tuesday night's game against Pacific in their dimly lit gym should be a tough test but with coach Rueck's 250th win a possibilty I don't think the Bruins will have a letdown.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 15, 2009, 12:00:16 PM
NIce weekend Loggers  8)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 23, 2009, 01:49:57 AM
Congratulations to the George Fox Bruins on a job well done and 16-0.   
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on February 27, 2009, 02:09:26 AM
Nice win Loggers!  Now lets see what we can do about GFU.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 27, 2009, 04:15:46 PM
I'm new to the board but have been a long time Northwest conference fan!  Was anyone at the Fox game last night?  Looking at the score it seems Whitman stayed on the bus?  Any chance the Loggers can upset the bruins?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on February 27, 2009, 07:27:17 PM
I was at the George Fox-Whitman game last night.  Whitman was not on the bus, but it appears to me that the Bruins are getting better and better as the season goes on.  Last night they just overpowered Whitman and were ahead 10-0, then 20-4 and at half 53-26. 

It always seems to come down to George Fox and UPS as the end of the season.  This year Fox has the home court advantage but in the past that hasn't meant much.  It will take a big effort for UPS to win, but it has happened before.  The Bruins, however, are playing great team basketball.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 27, 2009, 08:39:44 PM
I expect that tomorrow will be another typical game between Fox and the Loggers as it always has been in the past.  I'd get in line early at Miller if I'm going to the game, it will be packed tight
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 27, 2009, 11:11:49 PM
I was at the GFox-Whitman game.

The Bruins had a terrific start to the game. Less than 10 minutes into the game they had shot 14-17 from the field including 7-8 on 3's.  After missing their first shot, they hit 8 in a row. Couple that with 5 steals in the first 10 minutes and they had wracked up a 36-12 lead just before the mid-way point of the half.

They are moving well, passing well, shooting well, and aggressive on defense. A strong confidence without being cocky.  Whitman didn't offer much defense, but the execution by George Fox was impressive.

Puget Sound will bring a tougher, more physical defense and I will not count them out, but it would definitely be an upset if the Loggers win.

UPS has to win to advance to the NCAA tournament. George Fox does not want to lose and have to play UPS in a regional. Who would want to play a team 4 times every year?

I predict George Fox to win by 15-20 points.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on March 01, 2009, 10:40:10 AM
I hear it was a great battle in New Berg last night??  Loggers hold Fox to only 3 three balls......WOW. Seems like Indendi and Shielee had their way??  Great run Loggers, you should be proud!!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 01, 2009, 02:32:06 PM
Loggers gave George Fox a tough battle, they were able to turn it into a defensive matchup.  The interesting thing about the game was that the Bruins got good looks at 3's all night but fell short on all of them, but while the Loggers focused on shutting down the lanes, George Fox was able to get most of their baskets on drives and 3 point plays.  I think Ely had the game of her life, but besides Shaw, no one else really showed up on offense for UPS
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 01, 2009, 07:06:02 PM
According to d3hoops.com early projections, it looks like George Fox will be taking on the winner of Chapman-Oxy on Saturday night in Newberg in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament.  Chapman beat Oxy by 20 earlier this year, and GFU beat Chapman soundly at home in mid December, although that was without Nikki Hayman in the lineup
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on March 02, 2009, 03:30:47 PM
Its now March madness.......It does not matter where you play or who you play, anything can happen!!  Nikki Hayman is Chapman's team.  If Fox beat Chapman earlier in the year without her, they didn't beat the same Chapman team!!  Fox should be ready for anything.....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on March 02, 2009, 03:33:28 PM
Anyone want to take a shot at guessing the all conference teams??  MVP?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on March 02, 2009, 08:06:03 PM
Looking at the Chapman University website, it appears that Nikki Hayman hasn't played since the first nine games of the season.  Does anyone know if she is coming back for the tournament?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 03, 2009, 12:20:32 AM
I think she missed the first 9 games of the season?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LogShow on March 03, 2009, 12:23:35 AM
Wanted to say congrats to Ely and Chase for making all-nwc selections.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on March 03, 2009, 12:53:30 AM
According to the Chapman women's basketball website:

http://www1.chapman.edu/athletics/08-09/wbasketball/teamcume.htm

Nicole Hayman played the first nine games of the season, and hasn't played since.  Here is what the Chapman website says this about the team (at http://www.chapman.edu/athletics/pressReleases/wbb03022009.asp)

"Chapman is led by senior point guard Lauren Kamiyama, who is averaging 9.4 points per game and 4.5 assists per game. Junior guard Linda Ly was named MVP of the Division III Independents Postseason Tournament last weekend and currently leads the team with 11 points per game."  No mention of Nicole Hayman.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on March 03, 2009, 01:15:56 AM
I found this in a George Fox press release (http://www.georgefox.edu/athletics/womens_bball/2009/releases/1213.html) about the 12/13/2008 game with Chapman:

"Chapman's Nicole Hayman (18.6 ppg) sat out the game with a broken foot"

She had scored 25 points in the previous game on 12/6/2008.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: OxyBob on March 04, 2009, 02:53:31 PM
Quote from: NWCSportsFan on March 02, 2009, 08:06:03 PM
Looking at the Chapman University website, it appears that Nikki Hayman hasn't played since the first nine games of the season.  Does anyone know if she is coming back for the tournament?

According to the Chapman SID, Nikki Hayman will not be playing against Oxy.

OxyBob
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on March 04, 2009, 05:13:00 PM
If Chapman is to get by Oxy without Nikki Hayman, my prediction is Fox by 20!!  No way Chapman can hang with Fox without her.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 07, 2009, 01:21:19 PM
From all the I have read, Nicole Hayman is still out for the rest of the year. Obviously Chapman isn't the same without her, but they still managed to make the tournament and defeat Oxy on the strength of the active players. Chapman made it to the second round and should be approached with a good deal of respect. After the off-game that the Bruins played against Willamette on Feb. 20, they have looked really focused and sharp.

Should be a lot of fun tonight. The gym should be pretty full and loud, as a lot of people have already purchased advance tickets for the game.

Not wanting to look past the Panthers...
If the Bruins win tonight, they need Oglethorpe, Messiah, and Hope to win this evening to host next week.  If Greensboro wins the sectional ends up at either Messiah or Thomas More. If Thomas More wins the sectional is at Oglethorpe, Hope or Thomas More. If Baldwin-Wallace wins the sectional is at Messiah, Thomas More or Hope.

Would the NCAA let Hope host first/second rounds, sectionals, and Final Four?  My guess is that they wouldn't.  However, if all the current host sites win tonight, Fox has a great chance of hosting as there would already be three necessary flights.  We'll see...but have to win tonight or none of it matters.

GO BRUINS!
BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 08, 2009, 11:17:53 AM
Quotebut have to win tonight or none of it matters

Geesh! A win like that must matter. Could these gals beat those Oregon City High School National Championship teams?   ;D  They are impressive.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 08, 2009, 11:39:27 AM
Quote from: D O.C. on March 08, 2009, 11:17:53 AM
Quotebut have to win tonight or none of it matters

Could these gals beat those Oregon City High School National Championship teams?   ;D  They are impressive.

I sure hope that we could beat a really, really great high school team! Fox played really well last night.  Even with the depth of the bench in the game, they kept extended the lead all the way until the end of the game.  Quite impressive.

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: CAMP_FOLLOWER on March 09, 2009, 08:01:24 PM
LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU-ALL AT THOMAS MORE. SHOULD BE A GREAT GAME. THERE ALSO IS NO BLIZZARD FORECAST THIS YEAR. LAST YEAR WE HAD BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AT EACH ROUND AND THE FINAL FOUR. SO YEAH! FOR ALL OF US. DOES IT SNOW IN PORTLAND?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 09, 2009, 08:37:34 PM
It snowed today...and hailed, and sleeted, and rained.  Oh yeah, there was also plenty of sunshine too.  Welcome to Portland.  Unfortunately, I'm not making the trip out.  I've got an event at work that I can't get out of...dang it! I'll be listening though.

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: FlightofthePetrel on March 13, 2009, 03:33:28 PM
The Petrels are checking in at Thomas More!!!     1 hour and 27 minutes til game time... are the Fox Faithful ready?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: FlightofthePetrel on March 13, 2009, 06:41:13 PM
32 is good... Congrats
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 13, 2009, 07:21:39 PM
Quote from: FlightofthePetrel on March 13, 2009, 06:41:13 PM
32 is good... Congrats
Flight, thanks the kind word. Yes #32, Sage, is one of the freshmen that has made it happen this year for the Bruins.  Today was a typical game for them where the extended 2-3 zone has given every team trouble. It helps to have a 6'-4" player to back everyone else up.

It would be great to hear your in person impressions of how you see the match-up with the winner of the Hope-Thomas More game.  I'm assuming Hope will defeat TM, but all the teams are good at this stage of the tournament.

Safe travel.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: FlightofthePetrel on March 13, 2009, 07:32:57 PM
Thomas More is giving Hope all they can handle with 5:26 left they lead by 2  18-16     check that Hope and 1 makes it 19-18.  Both teams have alot of size but Hope plays great defense... Very well coached on the help side. If George Fox shoots the ball like they did today they win against either team.

Your center will not have as an easy of a time against either team tomorrow as both have size and depth in the post.  Currently 21-18 Hope
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 13, 2009, 08:29:35 PM
Quote from: FlightofthePetrel on March 13, 2009, 07:32:57 PM
Thomas More is giving Hope all they can handle with 5:26 left they lead by 2  18-16     check that Hope and 1 makes it 19-18.  Both teams have alot of size but Hope plays great defense... Very well coached on the help side. If George Fox shoots the ball like they did today they win against either team.

Your center will not have as an easy of a time against either team tomorrow as both have size and depth in the post.  Currently 21-18 Hope
Flight, thanks for your observations. It will be interesting to see how George Fox responds playing a team with the height and skill to match-up with Kristen (#20).

BTW, Hope beat George Fox in the Sweet 16 last year in Texas before going on to lose to host Howard Payne. The Bruins stayed in it until near the end when Hope pulled away to win by 7. Snikkers was a key player down the stretch in that game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 13, 2009, 08:50:01 PM
Quote from: FlightofthePetrel on March 13, 2009, 06:41:13 PM
32 is good... Congrats

Thanks Flight.  Sage is an amazing player.  We are pretty excited that she is only a freshman and will be around for a few more years, as will the rest of the Bruins! 

Great season to your ladies!

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 14, 2009, 12:27:59 PM
The Bruins have made it to the Elite 8 and are still undefeated at 29-0! This afternoon, the ladies take on the Hope College Flying Dutch for a chance to advance to next weekend's Final Four.

There will be a live simulcast party in the Klages Dining Room at George Fox for anyone that wants to watch the game and cheer on the Bruins. We will have a live video stream projected on a big screen, the KFOX radio call of Justin Sweeney '09, and live stats projected.

Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. with the KFOX pregame starting at 3:40 pm. Tip-off is at 4 p.m.

Come join the fun. Yesterday there were several hundred people watching the game together. It was a really fun way to support the team and be a part of this historic run by our women.

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 14, 2009, 12:55:33 PM
Can I just say how much I like rebuilding years?

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 14, 2009, 06:28:39 PM

Hope College has scored over 60 points every game this year and George Fox hasn't given up more than 60 points this year. Does anyone think either team will crack 60 points?

Neither team made it to 50 points in last year's Sweet 16 game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 14, 2009, 06:35:26 PM
Quote from: BruinFan on March 14, 2009, 06:28:39 PM

Hope College has scored over 60 points every game this year and George Fox hasn't given up more than 60 points this year. Does anyone think either team will crack 60 points?

Neither team made it to 50 points in last year's Sweet 16 game.
I think that the GFU has the best chance to knock off Hope.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 14, 2009, 08:52:38 PM
Foxy Ladies!!!!   8)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: FlightofthePetrel on March 14, 2009, 09:23:10 PM
Fox knocks off Hope!!!  BB Gardner would be the point guard of my team if I had a choice. It didnt seem that Fox had as good an offensive night as last night but they played great on the defensive end.

Congrats Fox on making it to the Final Four. Do us proud by winning it all so we can say we got beat by the National Champion!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 14, 2009, 10:20:21 PM
Quote from: FlightofthePetrel on March 14, 2009, 09:23:10 PM
Congrats Fox on making it to the Final Four. Do us proud by winning it all so we can say we got beat by the National Champion!
They would love nothing more than to make you proud. The team is due back around noon in Portland tomorrow, plus the 1 hour drive home to Newberg.  Then leave for Holland probably on Wednesday.

I was just looking at some stats on College of New Jersey, not sure why they didn't receive more attention this season. They are very good defensively, so could turn into another low scoring battle ... which I think is OK with the Bruins.

Flight, thanks for the support and may the Petrels come back strong.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hope1 on March 15, 2009, 09:13:39 AM
you guys have a nice team to bad we could have not met in the final 4 instad of the final 8  good luck this week in holland i think you might have some hope fans cheering for you this week
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 15, 2009, 03:31:48 PM
Thanks hope1.  Yes, ideally the Hope-George Fox game would have been in the Final 4. You have a great team and I think most Bruin fans gave the Flying Dutch a slight edge going into the game.  If they were to play 10 times, I think every game would be a battle.

It would be great if some Hope faithful want to adopt George Fox next weekend. We have the furthest to travel and I'm hearing airfare is running $500 to $600. We will have some fans make the trip, but mostly family and former players.

Hope has a great program and I'm sure you will continue to be a contender in future years.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Laserty on March 16, 2009, 07:52:18 PM
Did George Fox go home this week. Just wondering.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gfuandrew on March 16, 2009, 09:15:00 PM
Yes they came home...I think they leave for michigan around wednesday
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on March 17, 2009, 09:08:55 PM
Now that the women's final four is set lets bring up the topic once again about the lack of respect for the northwest conference!!  Only one team in yet, Wash U., who is in the final four, comes over here to washington state and loses to our #4 and #6 team??  Another example of how tough this conference  truly is!!  :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 17, 2009, 11:21:45 PM
We have a special interview with Coach Rueck, Kristen Shielee and Keisha Gordon posted on the Daily Dose (http://d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2009/03/17/rejector-rookies-and-rueck/) as part of our Road to Holland coverage.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 21, 2009, 01:47:00 PM
Yey!

One more!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: sac on March 21, 2009, 03:03:51 PM
Congrats to George Fox.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: deiscanton on March 21, 2009, 03:04:56 PM
Congrats to the George Fox Bruins on winning the 2009 Women's Basketball National Championship.  Your young squad has achieved a perfect season and brought the Pacific coast their first Walnut and Bronze in women's hoop.  Bruins, you have brought the Northwest Conference the respect of the rest of the country in DIII, and you have my respect as well.  Once again, congratulations.  
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 21, 2009, 03:25:43 PM
Congrats, Bruins!

First West Region champion since St Thomas in 1991.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hope1 on March 21, 2009, 03:40:32 PM
nice job george fox
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Hoosier Titan on March 21, 2009, 03:45:01 PM
Congratulations, George Fox!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 21, 2009, 04:09:44 PM
A historic run by the Bruins. You have represented yourselves, school, community and the Northwest Conference with outstanding play and character. Enjoy every bit of this moment.

I believe they held each of their 5 tournament opponents to a season low for points in a game.
Chapman 40
Oglethorpe 56
Hope 46
New Jersey 52
Washington U. 53
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dballa on March 21, 2009, 05:40:03 PM
Congrats to George Fox!!

As a Howard Payne University fan who saw George Fox play Hope last year at our house, I was happy to see them get their revenge and win it all this year.  They definitely earned it for sure this year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 23, 2009, 02:29:14 PM
Way to Go!
Thank-you you for bringing Glory to the NWC...once again.

How about a season highlight film on the internet?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: quaj on March 24, 2009, 12:32:58 AM
Congrats George Fox.

As a Wash. U. fan who was at the championship game, I was of course disappointed in the outcome but you did a great job and deserved the win.

When Wash. U. put together a 15-2 run in the second half, you maintained your composure and pulled through with the victory.

Props to your fans some of who drove 35 hours to watch your historic achievement. We'll be seeing you next year and hopefully the Bears get another shot at the Northwest Conference. We went 0-3 this year and only dropped two other games in the seasons.

Considering all the freshmen on your squad who played big roles, I can only imagine the recruiting power of your school. You'll be in the rankings for a long time.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on March 26, 2009, 05:49:16 PM
Well stated quaj!!!  Washington U goes 0-3 against the Northwest Conference and they only get 1 team in the tourney??  Doesn't make much sense to anyone in the Northwest!!!  Maybe the Northwest Conference will get some recognition now that one of us has won the title?  Lets keep our fingers crossed ;D
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 26, 2009, 08:05:28 PM
Handles, even though I believe Puget Sound could have held their own against many of the teams in the NCAA tournament, 9 losses is just too many to get an at-large bid.

Looking at teams that get selected, it becomes a long shot with anything more than say 5 or 6 losses. I will do some research on the at-large teams for this year and report back.

In addition, until the NCAA changes their practice, when the NWC has two teams in the tournament they get placed in the same regional making it impossible for both teams to make it to a sectional (sweet 16). I could get more excited about 2 teams getting in if I knew both had a chance to advance to the second weekend.

I believe the rest of the country is beginning to take notice and it will be great if NWC teams continue to go deep in the tournament.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on March 27, 2009, 06:14:09 PM
BruinFan,

I guess I just look at it a bit different.  In mens DI the SEC is one of the toughest conferences in the nation and when you look at a team from that conference with more losses you have to consider how incredibly tough the conference is.

Why can our #4 and #6 teams beat Washington U. who cruised through their conference???  Then our #1, who was amazing this year, handled them pretty well!!  Six of Puget Sounds losses came to conference opponents, 2 of those to Fox.  One non league loss came from Ill. Weslyn who was ranked #2 in the nation at that point.  Stregth of schedule for Puget Sound was ranked #32 in the nation.  So I guess there is so much more to look at than just the 9 losses when we are talking about the Northwest Confernce level of play.

I definitely agree with you in regards to where two teams get placed.  I don't think that is fair at all.  One of the toughest conferences and their two teams always face each in a sectional?  I think all coference opponents should be separated but that comes down to money so we know where that goes ;)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on April 03, 2009, 04:33:46 AM
So where does the northwest conference in the 2008-09 season rank amongst all conferences?  I say somewhere below the WIAC and above the UAA, likely in the top 5
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: sumfun on April 03, 2009, 08:42:17 AM
Talking just women's bball, you're probably correct.  D3 in general the NESCAC rules as they have Williams, the perrenial Director's Cup winner, Middlebury and Amherst who are often in the top 5 in Director's Cup, not to mention Trinity who is the perrenial national squash champ which isn't even an NCAA sport.  Just thought I'd throw that out there to open discussion and horizons beyond bball.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on April 07, 2009, 01:42:08 AM
Yeah I should've qualified that with just solely women's BB, although the NWC has fielded individually good FB teams in the last couple years.  And I know Bill Simmons is always giving the NESCAC love as he hopes for it to be the final stomping grounds for Holy Cross
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on April 22, 2009, 11:21:13 AM
http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/-4775665434655476885/unsung-newberg-senior-shows-fast-improvement/

Looks like the Bruins are reloading quickly and potently with the exit of Shielee, I have heard that this girl is farther along in skill development at this point in her career than Shielee was at her age, a sign that bodes well for George Fox
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: roaringtwenties on June 19, 2009, 09:11:28 AM
Looking forward to the next four years, as my daughter is coming from a long way to play basketball in the Northwest Conference.  (East of the Mississippi) We are not real familiar with the Northwest Conference, but they obviously had some great success this past season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on June 20, 2009, 03:38:38 PM
roaringtwenties,

Welcome to the Northwest!

What school in the NWC is your daughter going to play for?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: roaringtwenties on June 21, 2009, 11:42:18 AM
I have relatives in both Portland and Seattle.  We came out last august for a family vacation, and while there visited six schools in Oregon and Washington, four from the Northwest Conference.  After looking at schools pretty much all over the country, she fell in love with the school, and seemed to hit it off with the coach, who seemed to share a lot of the philosophies in which she approaches the game.  WHITWORTH!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: TheNextLevel on October 22, 2009, 09:50:04 AM
Sage Indendi, the D3hoops.com Rookie of the Year, did not return to school at George Fox.  Where did she go?  I am assuming she transfered to a D1 School...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: B Hoops on October 26, 2009, 01:35:19 PM
I continue to be disappointed with the respect the NWC receives from D3 Hoops
Polls. I think George Fox has done enough the last few years they should be ranked higher in the pre-season poll.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on October 26, 2009, 04:14:54 PM
B Hoops, Why do you think the Bruins deserve to be ranked higher? They loss two key players in their leading scorer and center, while the other squads above them return most of their key players and finished the season in the elite 8 or higher. I think the ranking gives their coaching staff the benefit of the doubt (and has high expectations for that tall incoming freshman I have heard about) and it is easy to argue that they are actually overrated. But if you have more information about this years team do share what you can.

The teams above them:
WashU - lost 1 starter, didnt have a player average more than 10 points last year anyway, 2 final fours in 3 years
Hope - lost 2 starters, returns all american Snikkers, finished with back to back Elite 8's
Amherst - returns all starters from Final Four young squad (but is in the northeast which is some consider a weaker region...), on paper seems to be ranked properly
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: B Hoops on October 27, 2009, 03:37:56 PM
  Wydown--I think if you look back the last 5 years you will find George Fox's NCAA  D3 credentials as impressive if not more than those you have listed. Plus Fox ran the table last year with an undefeated season and with a majority of their roster who were Freshman. Fox at the very least should have been a top 3 pre-season pick!
   My point in this matter is simple: Since the NWC conference has joined Division 3 there have been numerous years and numerous instances Teams in the NWC have not received the respect they deserve for competing at a high D3 level. IMO Pollsters look at the NWC like D1 pollsters look at the WAC or PAC 10. I wonder at times if they think there are even athletics that occur in the West. I would love for someone to prove me wrong or to assist me in changing this opinion.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on October 27, 2009, 10:58:16 PM
5 years has very little bearing to this years ranking. Even so, putting that into the consideration, their D3 credentials in the last 5 years are not more impressive than Hope's nor WashU's. (GFox does pretty easily one up Amherst on the five year history)

I know what GFox has done (I got the following from their website):
    * Two NCAA "Elite 8" appearances (2005, 2009)
    * NCAA "Sweet 16" appearances (2005, 2008, 2009)
    * Northwest Conference Championships (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009)
    * Winning seasons (2004-2009)
    * Top 25 national rankings (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009)

While the NWC may not be getting respect this year (similar to the WAC or Pac 10), Ill go with your metaphor, I think that this year, George Fox may be this years USC...lol. It lost Mark Sanchez and Brian Cushing. So although it may deserve respect, Pete Carroll cant make an NFL ready QB out of thin air and Gfox has a seemingly capable center but not the returning leading scorer. I don't know about years past, but GFox has not been disrespected in this years poll.

The metaphor doesn't extend too well but Amherst plays in the Big 10, WashU the SEC, and Hope is the Big 12 champion.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on October 28, 2009, 08:52:29 AM
It would appear to me that George Fox will still be a very good basketball team, but it will be difficult to overcome at the very least, the loss of two of your top three players, if not your top two players.  I haven't seen the tall freshman play, so I cannot comment on how she will fill that void.  Height doesn't always equate to skill in this sport. 

George Fox will still be a strong club, in spite of those losses, but I do agree that I think they have lost more than B Hoops may be aware.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on October 31, 2009, 01:48:04 PM
Coaches Poll now out!

2009-10 Women's Basketball Coaches Pre-Season Poll:
 
                                    1st Place Votes       Points
George Fox (Ore.)                (8)                     88   
Puget Sound (Wash.)           (1)                     68   
Whitman (Wash.)                                           61   
Pacific (Ore.)                                                   49   
Whitworth (Wash.)                                         49   
Lewis & Clark (Ore.)                                        38   
Pacific Lutheran (Wash.)                                 31     
Willamette (Ore.)                                            17   
Linfield (Ore.)                                                  13   



Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on November 03, 2009, 09:58:24 AM
lol. Title9Fan, you're very late on a conversation, and I don't know why you are bringing up Amherst (who on paper easily deserves their current ranking.) I wasn't even talking about Amherst, the conversation here was about GFox. Read the conversations prior to your post and then my comment will make more sense to you.

Quote from: Wydown Blvd. on October 26, 2009, 04:14:54 PM
B Hoops, Why do you think the Bruins deserve to be ranked higher?

The teams above them:
WashU - lost 1 starter, didnt have a player average more than 10 points last year anyway, 2 final fours in 3 years
Hope - lost 2 starters, returns all american Snikkers, finished with back to back Elite 8's
Amherst - returns all starters from Final Four young squad (but is in the northeast which is some consider a weaker region...), on paper seems to be ranked properly

The reason I say "on paper" is because I saw Amherst play about 8 games last season and the ranking may be different based on my subjective eyes (IMHO), but I know I'm just one lady.

My argument with Bhoops was that GFox has not been disrespected in this years poll. He started to bring up five year histories (which I dont believe are relevant) and such, but even so I argued that WashU's and Hope's 5 year histories are better. Amherst's five year history is not. But he was referring to GFox and the NWC being disrespected over the years not just this year (similar to the WAC or Pac-10), which may be true but I dont follow the NWC as well as I do other conferences.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on November 03, 2009, 11:45:31 AM
really? what was your point? you hopped on this board, and jumped into a pretty interesting conversation about the justification of Gfox's ranking with an issue that wasn't really relevant to the conversation. unless you want to add something to the conversation, Im not going to respond to you again.

When BHoops tried to compare the five year history of Gfox for the sake of his argument that Gfox is underrated, I used a couple of points to counter his argument. This has nothing to do with Amherst's history because it is not relevant. Thats why I asked you to read the previous posts (and not just my posts, but his also because it was a two way conversation). I don't know what your problem is.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on November 03, 2009, 12:21:24 PM
sure. there are much more interesting things to talk about anyway.

(and no I'm not west coast, I follow the midwest (st. louis and chicago areas) and northeast)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on November 11, 2009, 08:33:37 PM
Quote from: northernstar on October 28, 2009, 08:52:29 AM
It would appear to me that George Fox will still be a very good basketball team, but it will be difficult to overcome at the very least, the loss of two of your top three players, if not your top two players.  I haven't seen the tall freshman play, so I cannot comment on how she will fill that void.  Height doesn't always equate to skill in this sport. 

George Fox will still be a strong club, in spite of those losses, but I do agree that I think they have lost more than B Hoops may be aware.

I've seen the Bruins once this year... in an alumni game... and while it's too early to be certain, I'd say any team facing this group is going to have their hands full.  I think quite possibly this could be their strongest team in the last seven years (all of which I've witnessed).  They are tall (let me just say that their 6'5" frosh is not just tall, she's definitely a player, an athlete, a developing talent that may dominate the NWC for the next 4 years).  They are a fast group, and quick (from top to bottom).  They are intense (one scrimmage doesn't make a season but if they stay as hungry as they looked the other night... look out!).  They shot the ball well (inside and out, with multiple players and combinations contributing.)  They played strong defensively... as Coach Rueck's teams always do (there were long stretches in which the alumni struggled to even get a shot to the rim and these alumni are good and competitive players who still play the game).  Their sophomores now look well seasoned (a championship does that for you). The team as a whole clearly looked further along to me at this point than the '09 team did during last year's alumni game.  All in all I saw another championship quality team in the making. 

They have some big tests coming up with a scrimmage against a perennial Div 2 power, Seattle Pacific, and an early game against Lewis and Clark State College, an NAIA Div I team.  We'll see how it all pans out but I believe Bruin fans (and D3 fans everywhere) will be impressed when they get a chance to see this team in action.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on November 11, 2009, 08:43:53 PM
I believe you!  I am going to be able to catch at least one of their games, and I am looking forward to it!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Laserty on November 17, 2009, 05:52:50 PM
I'm really interested where Sage Indendi went. just curious after seeing her at the final four last year. She could definitely play D1... anybody know?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on November 18, 2009, 02:02:35 AM
Quote from: Laserty on November 17, 2009, 05:52:50 PM
I'm really interested where Sage Indendi went. just curious after seeing her at the final four last year. She could definitely play D1... anybody know?

I'm pretty sure she's not playing anywhere.  I could be wrong about that but that's what I heard earlier in the fall.  It's too bad for her fans because she was a gifted player in many respects.  But being good at something doesn't mean you love it or are willing to put up with the whole package.  Maybe a year away will change her mind... or just give her some idea of what she does love.
Title: Where is everyone?
Post by: Handles on December 08, 2009, 03:32:51 PM
Where are all the comments on Northwest conference womens basketball?  Where are the fans?  C'mon everyone, get on the board and chat!!

What do you all think about Lewis and Clark?  They seem to be playing well?
What about Fox losing 2 in a row?  Can anyone in conference beat them?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on December 08, 2009, 04:45:56 PM
Some strange things have been happening for sure.  George Fox losing two of thier first six is probably the most surprising.  Lewis & Clark's start is probably the next most surprising.  Could this be the first year in several where there are 3 or 4 teams, or maybe more, capable of making a serious run for the conference title? 

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on December 08, 2009, 06:48:47 PM
It sounds like Lewis and Clark could be tough this year, that new Guard Williams looks like a good find for the Pioneers.  Pacific's going to be tough with Erbe, and the Bruins' success depends on their shooting.  Bigtime shooting problems for the Bruins in their two losses.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on December 09, 2009, 11:47:33 AM
What about turnover problems for Fox?  Seems like I saw a boxscore against Chapman with 32 T.O's......Your not going to be able to shoot if you turn it over.  I have not seen LC yet but Williams does look tough on paper!  Has anyone seen the Loggers play?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on December 09, 2009, 02:31:38 PM
I don't think TO's are going to be the main problem for Fox.  However, if they are going to live with the 3pt shot, they are also going to die with it.  They were 9 for 47 (19%) from behind the arc in their 2 losses.  Shooters naturally run hot and cold and the farther you play for the rim the more chance you have to let a bad shooting performance lead to a loss.  The good news is they still have Hannah Munger inside (44% in those two losses & 51% overall) and if they will find ways to get her the ball (most importantly, though, it has to be at the right place at the right time) they will be able to score whenever they need to.  Also, the more floor time she gets the better she will get (at this point only 19 min a game).  If it were me, I'd be working very hard to establish that inside game first with a two post offense. When the defense collapses on her (which they will) drop it to the other post or kick it out for a 3.  They have some strong outside shooters but I would keep that weapon in check until it's time to finish 'em off.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on December 09, 2009, 05:53:33 PM
I might agree with the shooting of George Fox being off.  I saw the last half against Lewis-Clark State, and they not only weren't hitting free throws, but shooting from perimeter wasn't strong.  The 6' 5" Freshman looks good close to the basket.  If teams don't keep her away from the basket, she looks like she will make them pay for it.

Title: Good luck!
Post by: Handles on December 18, 2009, 02:55:54 PM
Good luck to all the Northwest conference teams playing this weekend.  Safe travels and happy holidays. 

I can't wait for the start of the new year.....The conference seems like it will be really exciting once again.  Several teams have performed well so far in non-conference play. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on December 19, 2009, 09:47:01 AM
Handles, i have seen loggers play.  They have their two outstanding guards and should be a force in the league.  The same can't be said for the lutes who seem to be getting worse instead of better throughout the non-league schedule.  Just watching their bench you can see that morale is very low.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on December 23, 2009, 11:30:40 AM
A Safe and Happy Holiday to everyone this year. 

At the start of 2010, looking forward to the beginning of a competitive run for multiple teams at the Northwest Conference Title.  It should be a fun year to watch!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on December 25, 2009, 04:03:50 PM
I have not had an opportunity to see the Lutes, but the Loggers and the Lutes will face off early in conference play.  I'm sure the Lute Logger rivalry will be good, as always.  I read the Loggers upset Cal Lutheran??  Anyone see the game?  Really big win for the Loggers and the Northwest Conference since Cal Lutheran has beat 4 other teams in the conference.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 03, 2010, 04:00:20 AM
Another clasic Bruin/Logger battle tonight.  Nothing is easy in this conference but the Bruins passed their first big test.  UPS is a strong contender and these two teams will probably face each other three more times this year.  Too bad more people don't see these games.  They are always nail-biters.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 04, 2010, 03:53:02 PM
What a conference......The Loggers take the defending national champions into overtime and almost beat them on their floor, but then almost lose at Linfield who had a 2-7 record.  Linfield amost upsets UPS but the night before was man handled by PLU.  PLU man handles Linfield but then gets destroyed by Pacific.  Whatman gets beatup by LC, but then puts a beating on Willamette.  Whitworth....well they split.  :)

Any given night someone could win and someone could unexpectedly lose.  Its exciting to see what will happen this week.
Title: Any predictions?
Post by: Handles on January 08, 2010, 03:38:17 PM
Any predictions for this weekends matchups?? ;D
Title: Where is everyone??
Post by: Handles on January 10, 2010, 11:43:25 AM
Doesn't anyone have anything to say about one of the toughest conferences in the nation???  C'mon, lets get  to chatting!!

Is it a surprise that Lewis & Clark is 4-0?  Can they beat Fox?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 10, 2010, 12:45:01 PM
Hey Handles,

Apparently Lewis and Clark has a freshman that is very good and one of their returning players is playing at a much higher level. I am not too surprised at them being 4-0 considering their schedule so far. The Pios 2nd half of the season is much tougher. They could go 7-1 or 8-0 in the first half and then possibly drop 2 or 3 games in the second half when they travel to the Whits, GFU, and UPS.

Unless Whitman gets healthy it will be 5 teams playing for the 4 play-off spots. GFU, UPS, LC, WW, and Pacific.

Nice job Bruins at Whitworth. Down 11 early in the second half and don't panic. They end up winning by 9.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 12, 2010, 11:23:11 AM
BruinFan,

So the big question then becomes, can LC beat Fox in the first round???  Ive seen LC play and Herring is playing much improved!  They are pretty big and their bigs are stepping out and hitting 3's.  Granted they are not as big as Munger :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 16, 2010, 01:12:15 PM
Lutes have been a lot more aggressive defensively since the winter break (except for Pacific game).  While they have glaring weaknesses, the team has played with a lot more energy recently.  They had a nice win against Whitman last night.  It is nice to see them being competitive in such a strong league.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 17, 2010, 01:54:03 AM
And.....the Lutes pulled out another victory tonight over Whitworth.  They are playing much improved and without one of their top freshman. 

The Loggers pulled out a tough hard fought game against the missionaries!!  Congrats to them as they stay in the chase and only one game back.  Next weekend is huge as LC will play both Fox and UPS.

Anyone know what happened to Schultz on Pacific??  I did not notice her name in the box score.  She was one of their top scorers so just wondering if she got hurt??
Title: Big Weekend!
Post by: Handles on January 19, 2010, 11:51:10 AM
This is a huge weekend for the top 3 teams in the Northwest Conference.  Congrats to Fox for moving up to #7, congrats to UPS for moving up to #18, and congrats to LC for being just below the top 25 at #26!!!!  Way to make a splash.

Now......LC is tied for 1st with Fox in the conference at 6-0.  They play Fox Friday night and UPS Saturday night.  UPS has only one loss to Fox in OT.  Anyone want to take a stand and make some predictions???  C'mon....lets wake this board up a little :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 20, 2010, 10:37:12 PM
LC over Fox

LC over UPS

LC's star freshman give them nice win in OT.

UPS's lack of depth will be their undoing this weekend in another close game.... UPS has been living on the edge.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 21, 2010, 10:48:54 AM
UPS may be living on the edge but they are still winning!!!  That has a lot of power in itself.  You really think LC can get Fox??  Very bold prediction since Fox is ranked so high......

Hey Swiss....where are you?  How do you like Lutefisk's prediction of LC over Fox?  What do you think?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 21, 2010, 12:23:19 PM
LC over Fox.... OK, really just wishful thinking as it would make the league very interesting down the stretch. 

LC over UPS.... I think the point guard for LC will make Ely work a lot more (or be a mismatch for whoever tries to guard her)... make it a little tougher for last minute heroics. 

Bottom line - two really BIG games!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 21, 2010, 01:53:18 PM
Which point guard for LC will make Ely work a lot more?  I'm not sure anyone can make her work as much as the Whitman defenders did last Saturday. 

What about Ely shutting down the freshman Williams??  Ely is one of the best defenders in the conference.  She has shut down 6'0 forward, tough shooting guards, and quick scoring point guards.

I agree it will be one of the biggest weekends in the conference so far!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 21, 2010, 11:02:55 PM
Herring was outstanding in the recent game I watched...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 22, 2010, 01:03:27 PM
I agree that Herring is playing pretty well......But that entire LC team is playing well and that is why they are winning.  I'm not sure that Herring alone can stop Ely and the Loggers.  What I liked about the Loggers is that when Ely was shut down others stepped up and produced.  Their freshman from Oregon dropped in 27 points and Riordon seemed to get back on track as well.  If the Loggers can defend like they did earlier in the year, holding opponents under 50 points, it could make for a very interesting game.

Still waiting to hear from you Swiss????
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 22, 2010, 10:14:07 PM
Bruins up 14 just under 8 minutes to play.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 22, 2010, 10:39:04 PM
Anyone see the Lewis and Clark vs. George Fox game in person?
It did not sound pretty. Tough to score.

Congrats to Gardner, Kuenzi, and Keener the 3 Bruin seniors have now been a part of 50 conference wins during their career.

Can Lewis and Clark bounce back tomorrow against UPS? If not, I don't think they will be able to catch up during the 2nd half of the  season. It will be GFox and UPS battling for the top 2 spots.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on January 22, 2010, 11:46:16 PM
I was at the L&C-GFU game.  It was ugly, especially the officiating.  It was 17-7 Fox at halftime.  L&C played a very diliberate game, often seeming not wanting to take open shots.  Fox missed a lot of easy shots due to the physical nature of the L&C defense.  I believe UPS will handle L&C tomorrow night, and it will be a two team race, GFU and UPS in the second half.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 24, 2010, 01:42:52 AM
So much for my predictions!!!  LOL...  ::)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on January 24, 2010, 12:49:29 PM
Kudos to George Fox for continuing dominance in the Northwest Conference.  Although I believe them to be not as strong as last season, they are getting the job done.  Although they have been in some tougher battles this year, the only team that looks like they have a decent shot at knocking them off, would be Puget Sound.  That should be a fun game to watch, just as the first meeting was earlier this month!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 24, 2010, 01:50:29 PM
It is incredibly difficult to predict anything in this conference.  Congrats to UPS for getting the job done on Friday night and totally dominating LC on Saturday night.  Friday night, once again, becomes a huge game between UPS and Fox!! What are the predictions for that game??? 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 24, 2010, 04:48:13 PM
BruinFan,

I'm really curious to know what you think about the outcome of the Fox VS. UPS game??  Can the Loggers win?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 24, 2010, 10:39:20 PM
Handles,

Yes I think that UPS can win. Ely is a great guard with a knack for stealing the ball. George Fox sometimes has too many turnovers and in a close game on the road that can be the difference.

With the second half of conference play beginning this week, here are my predictions for the final standings.

GFU  15-1
UPS  14-2
WW  11-5
LC     11-5
PAC  7-9
PLU   5-11
WM   4-12
LIN    4-12
WIL   1-15

I do think there is one certain prediction that can be made in this conference. George Fox and UPS will be in the conference play-off championship game playing for the automatic bid to the tournament.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 25, 2010, 12:05:22 PM
I would agree with your comment about Ely!!  She is playing at a different level and the only team to shut her down was Whitman.  But Whitman could not stop the rest of UPS.    If the Loggers play defense like they did at LC, everyone is the conference is going to struggle.

Do you really think LC and Whitworth will tie for the 4th place spot??  LC looked pretty dominating until this weekend.

Could this be another year where 2 NWC teams get to dance??
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 25, 2010, 08:22:27 PM
LC and Whitworth both finishing at 11-5 is a stretch. I think it is more likely that LC will lose 3 games in the 2nd half (visiting GF, UPS, and the Whit's) than Whitworth only losing 1. I just had a hard time finding another loss for Whitworth other than at GF. They host the Tacoma schools and LC.

I would not be surprised if Whitworth finished at 10-6 or 9-7, but will stick with my original prediction just for the fun of it. I will be surprised if Lewis and Clark wins more than 11 games.

As long as UPS and GF only lose to each other, I would hope getting 2 teams in the tournament is possible since it is the conference that produced last year's champion.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 26, 2010, 03:48:33 PM
I think your predictions are pretty accurate.  Its tough to go to eastern washington and win games and LC gets to make that trip this weekend after dropping two.....They very easily could drop two more this weekend.  Both Whitman and Whitworth play very well at home.  UPS also still has to make that trip and if they are not prepared they could get bit over there as well.

Besides the Loggers, I'm not sure if anyone else can challenge George Fox?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on January 26, 2010, 04:04:12 PM
It is tough to make predictions, because usually you are proven wrong almost the very first weekend.  However, God hates a coward, so here we go:

CURRENT STANDINGS
George Fox      8 - 0
Puget Sound    7 - 1
Lewis & Clark   6 - 2
Whitworth        4 - 4
Pacific (Ore.)       3 - 5
Pacific Lutheran 3 - 5
Whitman          2 - 6
Linfield             2 - 6
Willamette       1 - 7

PREDICTED FINAL STANDINGS
UPS   15 - 1
GFU   15 - 1
LC     11 - 5
WW  10 - 6
PAC     7 - 9
WM     5 - 11
PLU     5 - 11
LIN     3 - 13
WIL     1 - 15
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 27, 2010, 04:13:58 PM
So Northernstar.....a co-conference champion is your prediction?? Which means, you are saying the Loggers will beat George Fox this Friday night!  How are the Loggers going to stop Munger?  She is playing way better and with more confidence.  She just dropped in 21 against Pacific shooting a very high percentage.  6'5 is pretty hard to stop.....The Logger starting posts are only 5'10 and 5'11 and even in a zone, Fox is pretty good at just throwing the lob to Munger.  Plus, looking at the stats....UPS doesn't rebound very well.  If they can't stop Munger from scoring and keep her off the glass....it could be a long night??
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on January 27, 2010, 10:05:37 PM
I would agree that Munger will be a dramatic challenge for Puget Sound.  I did feel that Puget Sound met that challenge in the first meeting this year at George Fox.  With the extra advantage of being at home, I thought it might be enough to push them over thehump.  Height is definitely an advantage to Fox, but height can be defended in a number of ways even by a considerably shorter player.  Puget Sound will have to play a nearly flawless game, but I think they have other players that will also be difficult for George Fox to deal with too.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 28, 2010, 11:47:34 AM
Any time you are playing a top team in the nation, the opposing team will have to play nearly a flawless game.  Which means that Fox must play nearly flawless as well!! Being at home will be an advantage to the Loggers.  Cant wait for Friday!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on January 29, 2010, 09:45:30 PM
Bruins and Loggers playing pretty much to a standstill halfway through the game.  Sounds like Mohsenian has been the difference.  GFU's bench is killing UPS.  I think if the Bruins can keep the Loggers shooting below 30% FGs, they'll be in pretty good shape when the game's over.  If the Loggers want to win they've got to get some help for Ely.  She's been solid but not spectacular, Layland or McKinnis has to step up or at least get some boards somewhere. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: swiss on January 29, 2010, 10:44:12 PM
Good job BruOnes!  You will be moving up in the national poll (D3Hoops) since both #6 Scranton and #3 Wash U lost this week.  If you can guard against an over-confident let down and avoid injuries you will be in great shape heading into the tourney.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 30, 2010, 01:52:57 AM
Fox is truly deserving of their #6 ranking!  They handled the Loggers on their home floor.  Even when the Loggers looked like they were going to make a run, Fox had an answer.  The UPS youth did not seem to play up to par tonight and they surly didn't help Ely who tried to do everything.....

With 7 games left in conference the Loggers are going to have to continue to win in order to hold that #2 spot.  Whitworth and Whitman both got wins tonight which makes for an interesting weekend in a couple weeks. UPS still needs to travel over there and if they don't play defense and if Ely doesn't get any help they could struggle.

The UPS bench was outplayed dramatically by Foxes bench which was a difference in the game!

We finally here from Swiss.....who has come out of hiding!!  Of course swiss only seems to chat when the Bruins win..... God forbid someone bite them in the butt and they actually lose.  I think Swiss would go into hiding for years! :)

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 30, 2010, 08:40:34 PM
I know it is more interesting to consider the possibility that UPS might be challenged for the #2 spot, but I don't think it will happen.

Once again, the Bruins will finish the regular season in first and the Loggers in second.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 31, 2010, 01:38:06 AM
BruinFan,

There is no way George Fox is going to lose 3 games out of the remaining 7 regular season games!  Fox should finish in the #1 spot.  With Wash U and Illinois Wes. both losing this weekend, Fox should also move up again in the polls.....

Here comes Whitworth......They have now moved themselves into a tie for 3rd!  The middle of the pack is jammed.  It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, especially for that 3rd and 4th place spot.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 31, 2010, 12:05:31 PM
I agree  about George Fox finishing first in the conference. I was referring to UPS being a lock for #2. Whitworth and LC will compete for the #3 spot, but won't make it to #2.

Handles, do you see any other school making a run for the conference play-off?  I don't.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 31, 2010, 06:59:01 PM
Great Question:  Well here is where the Northwest Conference ranks after this weekend.

GFU                 10-0            17-2
UPS                  8-2             16-3
LC                    6-4             12-7
Whitworth         6-4             10-9
PLU                  5-5             7-12
Whitman          4-6             9-10
Pacific              3-7             2-8
Linfield             2-8             4-15
Willamette       1-9              3-16

I think both PLU and Whitman could challenge for that 4th place spot??  Whitman almost beat UPS at UPS and has been the only team to hold Ely to single digit points.  With so many injuries they may not be able to hold on but they are making a push.UPS still needs to travel to Walla Walla.......PLU plays well at home and really struggles on the road.  They are like two completely different teams.  They do host UPS on Tuesday.

I would agree the #1 and #2 spots are pretty much sealed.  Three and four are completely up in the air.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on February 01, 2010, 09:59:57 AM
As I said, you are usually proven wrong the 1st weekend after a prediction.  That being said, George Fox is most definitely in the driver's seat.  I do agree that it will be difficult, if not impossible, for either Lewis & Clark or Whitworth to overtake Puget Sound for second. 

Based on the rest, I would not count out Pacific Lutheran or Whitman out of the 3rd/4th Place mix yet.  Pacific still has an outside chance, but it is an uphill battle and doesn't look good. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 02, 2010, 04:14:35 PM
Well, here we go......Who wins tonight in the game of UPS @ PLU???  Plu is playing well at home and is fighting for a playoff spot.  Last year they beat the Loggers at PLU.  Can that happen again??
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 04, 2010, 09:35:09 PM
First week of regional rankings have been released. These rankings are a much better indication of what the tournament selection committee will do than the entertainment value of the d3hoops top 25.

West regional rankings have George Fox #1 and UPS #2.

So, best case scenario is ...
IF ... both schools win out in conference (no guarantees)
and IF ... both schools make it to the conference play-off final,
THEN... it seems like the Northwest Conference would get 2 schools in the tournament no matter which team earns the automatic bid.

I can also hold out hope that if the Bruins and Loggers remain #1 and #2 in the regional rankings that money $$$ may somehow be trumped and these teams be given an opportunity to not meet each other again until at least the 3rd round. But, with 3 weekends left of conference play, I am starting to get ahead of myself.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 05, 2010, 11:01:49 AM
I think you are definitely getting ahead of yourself and being incredicibly optimistic!!  Especially in regards to the NWC getting 2 teams into the tournament.  If George Fox and UPS can stay #1 and #2 in the west region I don't think there is any way they can keep them both out.  BUT....I really doubt they are going to separate them!!  It has never happened and money plays a huge role with the tourney organizers.  Looking at whats best for teams and the tournament does not seem to be considered, its all money.

I would love to be proved wrong in this situation but again....I doubt I will be!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 07, 2010, 11:31:59 AM
The teams still battling for positions.  I think 3 teams have been eliminated this weekend:  Linfield, Pacific, and Willamette.  That 4th place spot is still up in the air with 4 regular season games left.  LC squeaked out 2 victories this weekend to take over sole possession of 3rd.  Any predictions for the final 4 games???

George Fox 12-0
UPS             10-2
LC               8-4
Whitworth   7-5
Whitman      5-7
PLU              5-7
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 07, 2010, 12:08:54 PM
Prediction for final standings....

GF         16-0
UPS       14-2
LC         10-6
Whitw     9-7
Whitm    8-8
PLU        6-10
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 07, 2010, 04:56:29 PM
Lutefisk......you don't have any belief in your lutes in getting that 4th place spot???  They actually played well against LC last night until about the last 5 minutes.  They are shooting 3's pretty well and that seemed to be what kept in the game with the Loggers as well.  They may surprise someone if they can continue to shoot well from behind the arc??
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 07, 2010, 05:02:00 PM
Let's just say it has been frustrating...  Live by the three die by the three....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 09, 2010, 06:03:31 PM
WOW!  Losing is definitely frustrating and add in inconsistancy and it makes for a long year.  Here is the question of the week.......Can Whitman upset UPS and go 4-0 in the next two weeks and possible grab that #4 spot?????  Whitman has played both Fox and UPS to close games and almost upset both.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 09, 2010, 08:18:22 PM
No, I don't think Whitman will go 4-0. They were impressive against George Fox last Friday, but I just don't see them maintaining that level of play every game out. I don't know where they will stumble, but between hosting UPS and Whitworth and then traveling to Linfield (who should have defeated both UPS and Lewis and Clark at their place), they will drop at least one.

Updated final standing predictions with change in wins in parenthesis from my predictions 2 weeks ago. (after the first half of conference play)

GFox  16-0  (+1)
UPS    13-3  (-1)
LC       10-6  (-1)
WW    10-6   (-1)
Whitm  7-9   (+3)
PLU      6-10  (+1)
Pac     5-11   (-2)
Lin      4-12   (0)
Will     1-15   (0)

I know a close race creates more excitement and interest in each game. Sorry, but I think the only question that will be left before tip-off on Saturday, Feb. 20 will be if the Pirates or the Pioneers finish 3rd.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 10, 2010, 04:41:04 PM
I think your right BruinFan about the Pios or Pirates taking 3rd??  That is a tough one to predict.  Is it too early to make our predictions for NWC all-conference teams and Coach of the year??  Who wants to start?  I will start with Claire Ely as MVP!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 11, 2010, 07:15:55 PM
Ely definitely deserves MVP.  She's got a great combination of basketball savvy, skill and leadership.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 12, 2010, 07:25:21 PM
2nd to last weekend here we go.

George Fox has a reason to stay focused both nights, especially in the first half.
The Bruins can clinch the conference crown with two wins and a loss by UPS to either of the Whit's.

1) I have a vague recollection that in recent years, they have started slowly in games at Willamette, but I could be wrong about that. I'm sure they want a solid 40 minute effort and to not have any let downs.

2) Linfield may feel they are due after losing 1-point games at home this year to both Lewis and Clark and UPS.  I think it will be important for the Bruins to have a double digit lead at halftime to keep the Wildcats from believing that this is the game they will take from a top team.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 15, 2010, 12:02:55 AM
BruinFan,

Now that the Loggers got through the big weekend over the mountains....Do you still think they are going to drop another NWC game?  They only have Pacific and LC left.

Lets name one player from each team who should or could make the all tournament team:

Fox:  Gordon
UPS:  Ely
LC:  Spence or Herring
Whitworth: Pilkinton
Whitman: White
PLU: Pixler or Backstrom
Pacific:  Reeves
Linfield:  Owens
Willamette:  Zennan

Coach of the Year:  Barcomb

What does everyone else think??
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 15, 2010, 03:09:42 AM
COTY: Rueck

You forgot Munger, Williams for L&C, Erbe from Pacific
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 15, 2010, 10:16:12 AM
Though Backstrom had a very good game vs Whitworth this weekend, Pixler definitely has been consistent and deserves the nod for plu.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 15, 2010, 11:44:18 AM
80shorts

Actually, I didn't forget anyone because the game was.....you only get to pick ONE player from each team.  Now if you want to pick someone else from those teams then you get to choose someone else.  Munger over Gordon could be your very own pick.  Not a surprise that you pick Rouek for COY!!  Let me remind  you that they won everything last year with almost the same exact team.  They are supposed to win.  Just winning conference does not automatically mean someone is deserving of COY.  They may be, but there may be others more deserving!!  Barcomb has gotten her team to a place that was probably never expected.  They are 19-3 with 2 of those losses to Fox and the other early in the season by 1 point.  She has Ely scoring more than she ever has and several freshman contributing in their first year.  Plus, they were ranked #17 last week. 

Lutefisk....good point.  I agree, my one choice for PLU is not Pixler.  LC is the only team that I'm having trouble picking one. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 15, 2010, 02:28:35 PM
Quote from: Handles on February 15, 2010, 11:44:18 AM
Let me remind  you that they won everything last year with almost the same exact team. 

Uhh ... not quite. That's stretching the definition of "almost."
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on February 15, 2010, 11:31:14 PM
George Fox is not "almost the same exact team."  They lost the NWC Player of the Year, Kristen Sheilee and First Team All-Conference Selection, Sage Indendi.  They are 14-0 in the conference, #5 in the latest D3 poll.

The COTY is Scott Rueck.  Also, the POY is Hannah Munger.  She is getting better and better every game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 16, 2010, 05:21:58 PM
Kristen Sheilee was replaced by Munger who is much better than Sheilee....thats a wash or even a plus for Munger.  Sage was a great player for sure!  It takes 3 players to replace her, and the bench has given them what they need to replace Sage.  Again.....practically the same team!!  Mungers numbers do not come close to Ely's number.....No way is she POY.

Yes, you are right Fox is 14-0 and #5 in the nation and with all the returning players, going 39-0 last year, and winning the national title.....they are right where they are supposed to be.  Coach Rouek has done his job, but has he gone above and beyond to deserve coach of the year??

What does coach of the year mean anyway??  Are there certain things that coaches must do or is it just about winning their conference?  Thoughts on COY?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 16, 2010, 06:18:06 PM
QuoteKristen Sheilee was replaced by Munger who is much better than Sheilee

I believe with that sacrilegious statement, this discussion has just jumped the shark.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 16, 2010, 08:21:20 PM
Huh???????
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 16, 2010, 09:17:18 PM
Coach of the Year is subjective, which is why it usually goes to the coach of the championship team. It is difficult to fairly evaluate each individual coaches circumstances as he or she works to maximize the talent that they put on the floor.

Both UPS and GFU have 3 starters returning from last year.
UPS lost a 2nd team all-conference player (Chase).
GFU lost the POY (Shielee) AND a 1st team all-conference player (Indendi).
UPS replaced the lost starters with 2 freshmen.
GFU replaced the lost starters with a freshmen and a senior.

Everyone wants to beat both teams, but George Fox all the more as defending champs. I  won't lose any sleep over which coach gets the award, but I don't agree that the Bruins are nearly the same team as last year. Congratulations to both teams on all they have accomplished so far this season.

Now, about this final week of conference play.
Lewis and Clark is the only team in the top 4 in obvious peril of losing both games. Even if they do, I think they still earn the 3rd spot in a tiebreaker with Whitworth.

Whitman is playing well right now, so I'm intrigued with the possibility of Whitman winning out and Whitworth losing on the road at Linfield. I haven't looked at the tiebreak if they both finish 8-8.

No Handles, I do not think UPS will lose either game this weekend.
Enjoy the games.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on February 17, 2010, 03:17:55 PM
Lewis & Clark would control thier own destiny by winning one of the last two games.   But if they don't, and Whitworth beats Linfield, I am not familiar with the tiebreaker.  The NWC site shows the following tiebreakers:

1) Head to Head Competition (Which would be identical)
2) Results against Confercence Teams in descending rank order (This would seem to favor Whitworth, as past George Fox and Puget Sound, the next team behind Lewis & Clark and Whitworth would be Whitman, then Pacific Lutheran.  With Lewis & Clark losing one other game to Whitman, and Whitworth losing one other game to Pacific Lutheran, that would seem to give the tiebreaker to Whitworth.  Or did I misread that?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 17, 2010, 04:54:11 PM
I think you make great points BruinFan!!  COY is very subjective but as I've a done a little research....it seems strange to me that Coach Barcomb has never once been voted COY by the NWC??  I can't believe the NWC has never believed her to have earned a COY?  What I do notice is that basically which ever team wins the conference they also seem to get COY and POY......  In 06-07 UPS and Fox shared the title, all went to Fox.  In 03-04 UPS and Whitman shared the title, COY went to Michelle and POY went to the 4th place team.  You have to go back to 01-02 when Helen received COY at Whitworth and POY was granted to Whitworth as well....They took 2nd in conference that year.  This all makes me think there is not a lot of thought that truly goes into these two awards, rather just the conference winning team earns both!  At least 5-7 other times this is what happened.  Barcomb has over 200 wins in her career and always seems to have her teams battling Fox in the end.  No respect has ever been given.....strange.....My vote is still Barcomb COY and Ely POY in 09-10!!!!!!!

Northernstar.....I believe you are correct on the tiebreaker.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 17, 2010, 08:59:30 PM
Yes, Northernstar I believe you are correct. I get confused sometimes on descending versus ascending order. If Whitworth and Lewis and Clark tie, then the Pirates get the #3 seed as long as Whitman finishes ahead of PLU.  This would mean the semi's have Lewis and Clark at George Fox and Whitworth at Puget Sound.

Handles, I checked your facts and I am a bit surprised as well that Coach Barcomb has never received the honor as conference Coach of the Year. It is a human process and people vote however they want and the result has just not gone her way. If the past is any indication, that will not change this year. If I were a voting coach, ONLY if I truly could not decide between two coaches would I break the tie based on who had not yet received the honor.

High achieving teams usually have one or more high achieving players. I'm not surprised that the conference champion usually has the Player of the Year. I do think this year that Ely has a good chance at the award and I think she has earned it.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on February 20, 2010, 10:01:50 AM
I happened to have set up on my computer both the Live Stats and Video from the George Fox/Lewis & Clark Game last night.  What I saw greatly bewildered me.  Who keeps the Live Stats, which ultimately become the official game stats.  Is it an official from the home gymnasium, or a league official?  The number of errors were unbelievable.  As one example, on at least three different occasions, I saw a potential rebound get knocked out of bounds without any possession, and a rebound was awarded.  In these situations, not a single pair of hands ever grasped the ball, it was simply knocked off of attempting hands out of bounds, and no foul was called.  Wrong players were credited with events that didn't match the video.  Can anyone tell me who handles, and how live stats are tracked? 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2010, 11:05:26 AM
Stats are kept by the home institution, primarily the sports information office.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 20, 2010, 12:27:53 PM
It is not unusual for editing to take place within the stats program after the game to correct any known errors that can't be corrected within the flow of the game.

As to crediting rebounds, I am fairly sure that with every missed shot a rebound must be credited to either an individual or the team.

Before live stats, fans may have thought stats were rock solid. Assists is a good example of a judgment call. How much does the person who scored do with the ball before you no longer credit the person who passed it to her with an assist?  Steals and turnovers are other categories where a quick decision is made that not everyone in the gym may agree with.

Stats are generally done by volunteers that care about their work. There may be some subjectivity to it and even a few errors, but this is nothing new to players and coaches.

Congrats to the Bruins on moving to 15-0 in conference. The program has now won 34 straight conference games. It was fun to see the seniors honored before the game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on February 20, 2010, 01:16:37 PM
I also would like to congratulate George Fox on outright winning the conference.  It is a tribute to a very strong ballclub.

In reference to your point that a rebound has to be attributed to every attempted shot, I am not sure I am in agreement with that.  If no player posesses the ball after an attempt, I am not sure how, and to who you would award a rebound.  I looked on the play-by-play of the game this morning, and everything that I thought was incorrectly assigned last night is identical.  I understand that these are volunteers, and it is very easy to sit back and be critical of mistakes.  My intentions were simply to understand how the official stats are processed.  My only thought that if not as reasonably accurate as possible, that this is not fair to the kids that they make mistakes on. If a basket is awarded to the wrong player, or a missed field goal is awarded to the wrong player, a lot of coaches rely on stats to tell them the picture.

If I were a coach, I would want to be looking at something as accurate as possible!

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 20, 2010, 01:32:22 PM
Quote from: northernstar on February 20, 2010, 01:16:37 PM
In reference to your point that a rebound has to be attributed to every attempted shot, I am not sure I am in agreement with that.  If no player posesses the ball after an attempt, I am not sure how, and to who you would award a rebound.

Those are team rebounds, as BruinFan suggests below.

Quote from: BruinFan on February 20, 2010, 12:27:53 PM
As to crediting rebounds, I am fairly sure that with every missed shot a rebound must be credited to either an individual or the team.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on February 20, 2010, 01:52:08 PM
No, in the examples I gave you from the first posting, no player possessed the ball before it was pushed out of bounds.  There cannot be a team rebound in that scenario, unless one team or the other actually gets the ball before going out of bounds.  In this scenario, there should not even be a team rebound awarded, let alone a specific player being awarded a rebound.  A rebound signals player/team control.  You can get a rebound and have it knocked out of your posession by a defender out of bounds, but that wasn't the case from last night.  It went out of bounds with neither side gaining posession, and a specific player was awarded a rebound.   On several occasions as a matter of fact.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 20, 2010, 03:36:48 PM
Quote from: northernstar on February 20, 2010, 01:52:08 PM
There cannot be a team rebound in that scenario, unless one team or the other actually gets the ball before going out of bounds.  In this scenario, there should not even be a team rebound awarded, let alone a specific player being awarded a rebound.

NCAA Basketball Statisticians manual does give examples of team rebounds being awarded when a player does not have control (as best I can tell). I don't think you are contesting this point, but it does confirm that the total number individual rebounds+team rebounds+deadball rebounds = missed FG + missed FT
www.ncaa.org/wps/portal/ncaahome?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/ncaa/ncaa/sports+and+championship/general+information/stats/m+basketball/statsmanuals.html[quote

Quote from: northernstar on February 20, 2010, 01:16:37 PM

My only thought that if not as reasonably accurate as possible, that this is not fair to the kids that they make mistakes on. If a basket is awarded to the wrong player, or a missed field goal is awarded to the wrong player, a lot of coaches rely on stats to tell them the picture.

If I were a coach, I would want to be looking at something as accurate as possible!



I do believe that an effort is made for the stats to be reasonably accurate. I am sure there are times when the box score is unintentionally unfair. I think it would be extremely rare for a scoring mistake to not be corrected after the fact, assuming someone points it out. Some mistakes are as simple as not being able to see the players number that was involved in the incident because of the crowd around the ball. I would love it if the stats were accurate beyond any doubt, but I don't think players and coaches are surprised when they find an inaccuracy.

This is what I know of the stat process at George Fox (and I don't know all of it). One person calls out the codes to be typed into the computer, while another person enters the call on the computer. At George Fox, the "caller" is a man who has seen more than 1,000 men's games in person and has done the home stats for both the men and women for years. That doesn't mean he is perfect,  but he does have a lot of experience. The data entry person is typically a college student who does this as a work study job. Coaches are anxious for box scores immediately after the games, so I don't know when any editing would take place.

I think at some schools, the stats are kept by an all student crew.



Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 20, 2010, 03:40:55 PM
Back to more of the fun topics.

I think that if the NWC play-off final is between UPS and George Fox that it is a  lock to get 2 teams into the NCAA tournament.

Anyone disagree?

And then we can wait to see if this is the year where the Bruins and Loggers don't have to play each other the first weekend of the tournament.

I think Whitworth wins tonight and Lewis and Clark loses.

This means next Thursday we will see Lewis and Clark @ George Fox and Whitworth @ UPS.
I'm looking forward to the play-offs!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on February 20, 2010, 07:29:09 PM
Bruinfan

Thanks for the clarification.  I read what you linked to, and you are correct about it being a team rebound.  But it does still appear to have been erroneously awarded to an individual player.  And I will point out, it was the same player in all three instances that I noticed.  That in itself made it look very odd.

I apologize, as I didn't intend for this thing to get into that serious of a discussion.

As you said, on to more fun topics!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 20, 2010, 07:39:27 PM
Northernstar,

All good - thanks for the reply.

So... do you think there is much chance that either Whitworth or Lewis and Clark will provide an upset and make it to the conference play-off final?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on February 21, 2010, 03:08:43 AM
While anything is possible, I don't believe we will have anything other than a George Fox/Puget Sound Final.

The way George Fox has been playing of late, I don't see anyone from this conference posing much of a challenge for them.  While not quite as strong as last year, they are playing some good basketball right now.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 21, 2010, 11:40:13 AM
Whitworth has given Puget Sound a pretty good game in both regular season games but LC has not shown up to play Fox either game.  And with Dowling out for LC they don't stand a fighting chance.  UPS being at home will help their cause.  Another George Fox--UPS conference final game is in the  making!  Will that make 4 in the last 4 years??

I too agree that Fox is playing really well right now and truly don't see them getting beat. 

I'm happy to see that you all worked out the team rebounding issue  :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 21, 2010, 12:45:17 PM
Quote from: northernstar on February 20, 2010, 01:52:08 PM
No, in the examples I gave you from the first posting, no player possessed the ball before it was pushed out of bounds.  There cannot be a team rebound in that scenario, unless one team or the other actually gets the ball before going out of bounds.  In this scenario, there should not even be a team rebound awarded, let alone a specific player being awarded a rebound.  A rebound signals player/team control.  You can get a rebound and have it knocked out of your posession by a defender out of bounds, but that wasn't the case from last night.  It went out of bounds with neither side gaining posession, and a specific player was awarded a rebound.   On several occasions as a matter of fact.

A PLAYER should not be awarded a rebound in the instance you describe, but I promise you, the proper stat to award is a team rebound. Every shot must have a rebound.
Title: Predictions Anyone??
Post by: Handles on February 22, 2010, 03:59:17 PM
1st Team:
Keisha Gordon:  George Fox
Jocelyn Riorden: Puget Sound
Cassie Pilkinton: Whitworth
Kristina Williams: Lewis & Clark
Hillary White:      Whitman

POY:  Claire Ely:  Puget Sound

2nd Team:
Hannah Munger:  George Fox
Gretchen Owens: Linfield
Melissa Pixler:      PLU
Alex Zennan:       Willamette
Elise Kuenzi:   George Fox/ Natasha Ludwig:    Puget Sound  I can't decide with these two players.  They both do so much for their teams and its not always about the scoring and the rebounds.

COY:  Suzy Barcomb:  Puget Sounds

Okay....lets hear all the disagreements ;D


Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on February 22, 2010, 05:34:52 PM
I would think that George Fox might get two first teamers, so I might flip-flop Jocelyn Riorden and Hannah Munger!  I also would take Natasha Ludwig over Elise Kuenzi  However, I think that the best player from Lewis & Clark is Megan Spence.  She appears to have better overall production than Williams.

1st Team:
Keisha Gordon:  George Fox
Jocelyn Riorden: Puget Sound
Cassie Pilkinton: Whitworth
Kristina Williams: Lewis & Clark
Hillary White:      Whitman

POY:  Claire Ely:  Puget Sound

2nd Team:
Hannah Munger:  George Fox
Gretchen Owens: Linfield
Melissa Pixler:      PLU
Alex Zennan:       Willamette
Elise Kuenzi:   George Fox/ Natasha Ludwig:    Puget Sound  I can't decide with these two players.  They both do
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 26, 2010, 04:46:19 PM
The show down.......Another matchup between George Fox and Puget Sound for the conference championship.  Did Fox feel like they needed to run the score up on LC by dropping in 98 points and beating them by 41??  Or were they just working on fine tuning their 3 balls since they hit 15 of them!!

Any predictions on the final outcome on Saturday night??
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hoopnut on February 26, 2010, 05:23:33 PM
Actually, it probablly doesn't make any difference who wins Saturday, since the game that will really count will be in the second round of nationals. This season is a little like 2 years ago, GFU wins the two conference games and the playoff championship, only to loose to PS in the second round of nationals. I'm kind of hoping for history to repeat its self.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 27, 2010, 04:06:05 PM
Lots of thoughts, so here I go.

I am confident that regardless who wins tonight, that the loser will still get a Pool C bid for the tournament due to the regional rankings.

I think tonight does matter because of momentum and pride. I don't know if regional ranking influences who hosts, but I'm sure both GFU and UPS want to put themselves in the best possible place to be considered for hosting.

There is still talk and hope that just maybe this is the year where the tournament committee does not put UPS and GFU in the same pod. I won't be surprised if they are together, but I don't think it is impossible that it could happen. The tournament committee recognizes the injustice of having 2 teams in a strong conference play each other a fourth time just to get to the Sweet 16.

Congratulations to all the players recognized by the coaches as all-conference. I was especially pleased that BB Gardner, GFU senior point guard, was honorable mention. Her name doesn't come up on this board, but her defense and energy on the court is worthy of recognition.

Gardner, Kuenzi, and Keener as 4 year players at GFU earned there 100th victory as Bruins on Thursday. Wow!

George Fox is really starting to click and I anticipate a double digit win tonight.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 28, 2010, 07:07:15 PM
d3hoops is projecting that George Fox will play Chapman (pool B) and then the winner of UPS and Redlands.

Obviously that bracket is typical of what we have seen in the past and again sets up the possibility of NWC teams playing each other a FOURTH time this season prior to the sweet 16.

More interesting is that the projected bracket has IWU, WashU, and Hope all in the same bracket. Fine by me if those 3 have to play each other to get to the Final 4. These are just projections and will have to wait until tomorrow for the real thing.

Congratulations to the Bruins for winning the conference tournament championship.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 01, 2010, 10:33:24 PM
Wow, I didn't see Louisiana College coming into the picture.

See my post on the multi-regional/ncaa tournament board about the fact that  GFU and UPS potentially meet in the 2nd round. We've seen this before. I guess splitting up NWC schools in the tournament will never happen.

The only consolation for me would be if George Fox advances to the Sweet 16 and gets to host that weekend as well.

I also don't think much of a pair of 2 loss teams meeting each other in the first round.

4 days until tip-off, I wish it was starting right now.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on March 02, 2010, 07:16:33 PM
Well....one more year where the NWC teams don't get separated!  What is it going to take for the committee to separate the NWC??  They have already won the national championship and ran through oth everyone last year to go 39-0.  This year Puget Sound has 4 total losses, 3 of which are to the defending national champion.  Both teams are deserving to be separated and not have to face each a 4th time until later in the tournament.

Well congrats to both teams....good luck this weekend!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on March 05, 2010, 08:46:46 AM
As usual, the Pacific NW gets no respect from the eastern dominated NCAA....

Good Luck to Fox and Puget Sound!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: roaringtwenties on March 07, 2010, 05:44:35 PM
After looking over the tournament brackets, I might tend to agree with you about the lack of respect.  In looking at the road that George Fox #5 had to take to get into the Sweet 16, they had to play two teams from the Top 20!

On the other hand, looking at Five (5) Teams getting into the tournament from the NESCAC, Amherst #1, Colby #20, Tufts #26, Bowdoin #29 and Williams (Not Ranked), the respective roads for the combination of all five of those teams would have provided only one potential game against a Top 20 Team through the first 2 Rounds into the Sweet Sixteen.  This seems a bit lopsided. 

I realize that geography plays a lot into the pairings of the tourney, but just the stats from the last two paragraphs seems like there is a huge disparity in treatment.  I am not faulting the NESCAC, but simply pointing out something that makes the NCAA DIII Tourney look bad. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 07, 2010, 06:09:32 PM
Quote from: Handles on March 02, 2010, 07:16:33 PM
Well....one more year where the NWC teams don't get separated! What is it going to take for the committee to separate the NWC??  They have already won the national championship and ran through oth everyone last year to go 39-0.  This year Puget Sound has 4 total losses, 3 of which are to the defending national champion.  Both teams are deserving to be separated and not have to face each a 4th time until later in the tournament.

Well congrats to both teams....good luck this weekend!!
What's it gonna take?
A move to D-1!    :)  Out of the 430 schools in D-III, more than 400 of them east of the front range of the Rockies.  I saw a post that priced a single plane flight from the midwest to the northwest at $48,000 per team.  (I think that the people at the NCAA would just as soon not pay out that much money to bring west coast east, but they have to.  Saving plane flights is always a key thing,)

When the Northwest Conference decided to move to D-3 from the NAIA, you knew that the foundation of D-III was regionally-based intercollegiate competition.  The idea was to decrease the amount of class time that student-athletes would miss, and have the NCAA pay for the post-season tourney, instead of having to raise your own money.

As for any bracket that includes New England schools, that is a common lament.  There are so many schools in the Northeast, that you get some very weak conference winners that fill up to 12 of the 16 teams in that corner of the bracket.

One thing that is different this season, is that the Maine schools are a little weak this year.  The Little East Conference has had some good runs in recent years.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 07, 2010, 07:02:13 PM
Mount Union is more than 500 miles from St. Louis, does this mean that the NCAA flies TWO teams to Wash U, or are they going to make Mount Union bus out?  Just curious because doing the math you could bus two teams to Carthage as St. Louis and Mount Union are both within the 500 mile limit.  Because if the NCAA is truly worried about saving money at the D-III level and only having to fly one team, putting the sectional in st. louis would seem to completely defeat the purpose of doing that, unless I'm a flaming moron and the 500 mile limit is more of just a suggested guideline.  If anyone has the actual correct answer out there please let me have it!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 08, 2010, 02:23:05 AM
Mount Union will fly. What we don't know is whether Carthage put in to host a sectional on the women's side.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 08, 2010, 02:51:31 AM
Great point, I did not consider whether Carthage had submitted a bid, thanks Pat
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on March 08, 2010, 03:44:07 PM
Isn't the division III level about the student athlete?  So, they get rewarded if their team makes the 64 team tournament but then they get penalized because they are an athlete on the west coast and there are more teams back east.....What about whats best for the athletes and the best possible tournament know matter what the level???

It always comes down to money......then do something to change that so the NWC teams can get separated!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 09, 2010, 08:39:31 PM
Anybody have thoughts on Carthage?  Looks like they're a good three point shooting team. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Bird Dog on March 09, 2010, 10:07:57 PM
My daughter's team played them earlier in the year on Carthage's home floor.  Carthage won by 7.  I think they were a little high on themselves because they had just beaten Illinois Weslyn.  We shouldn't have been that close. They are a talented team and just about everyone can shoot the three and have nice pull up jump shot going to the bucket.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 09, 2010, 11:22:00 PM
Quote from: 80sshorts on March 09, 2010, 08:39:31 PM
Anybody have thoughts on Carthage?  Looks like they're a good three point shooting team. 

I have yet to look at their roster or statistics. Apparently Carthage is ranked #1 in FG% and George Fox is ranked something like #5 in FG% defense.

I believe that in most sports, defense wins the big games. Carthage defeated IWU by shooting nearly 50% for the game. They lost big to IWU when they shot 34%. I think if George Fox can hold them to 38%-40% shooting, then a Bruin victory is within reach.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: sumfun on March 10, 2010, 06:55:34 AM
http://www.ncaa.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/ncaa-w-baskbl-stats-index.html

Here's the link to NCAA stats.  You can check them until you're blue in the face and make all the predictions you want based on offense or defense, but you still have to play the game. Furthermore, most of the schools left in the bracket are within points of eachother in whatever category you chose to analyze.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 10, 2010, 09:33:30 AM
Quote from: sumfun on March 10, 2010, 06:55:34 AM
http://www.ncaa.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/ncaa-w-baskbl-stats-index.html

Here's the link to NCAA stats.  You can check them until you're blue in the face and make all the predictions you want based on offense or defense, but you still have to play the game. Furthermore, most of the schools left in the bracket are within points of eachother in whatever category you chose to analyze.

No argument from me. Predictions and stats seem to be some of the popular themes on these boards, so I went ahead and put something out there.

Sumfun, in general, do you think an "up-and-down scoring 70+ points per game" style or a "shut the opponent down defensive" style has an advantage in the tournament?

Last year when George Fox won the championship, they held every opponent they played in the tournament to their lowest point production of the season. I thought that was significant.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: sumfun on March 10, 2010, 10:45:23 AM
Since not every school is going to have a 6'5" center, I think a suffocating defense and accurate 3 shooting can win over a school that does not have that, but might have height in the middle.  No doubt that every one of these schools left in the tourney has a quality program, but Geno at UConn says defense wins games.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Moser on March 10, 2010, 06:17:01 PM
Quote from: 80sshorts on March 09, 2010, 08:39:31 PM
Anybody have thoughts on Carthage?  Looks like they're a good three point shooting team. 

Greetings from the CCIW board.

I've seen Carthage play several times this season. Carthage is an impressive team, as evidenced by some of their wins this year (#3 Ill. Wesleyan, #4 Hope, #12 Calvin, #22 Chicago). They are the only team to beat Ill. Wesleyan and Hope. Not a bad resume. The Reds don't have any bad losses (Robert Morris-Chicago, Ill. Wesleyan, Elmhurst twice). This is not a team that will be intimidated by playing the defending national champions, especially on a neutral site.

As far as personnel, Carthage has as good of a starting 5 as you'll see, and they play very well together. Their starters are their top five scorers. The Reds play 7 players consistently, but their firepower is contained in the starting group. Any one of those 5 can hurt you on a given night.

Carthage does have impressive shooting numbers, but a lot of their success has come from defense, as the Reds only allow 58.2 ppg (though George Fox is even better in this category at 47.2). In addition to leading the CCIW in field goal pct. and 3-point pct., Carthage also led the league in field goal pct. defense (39 %). Carthage was second in the league in steals.   The Lady Reds are no slouch defensively. In a Jan. 5 game against Wheaton, they held the Thunder to 2 points over the first 10 minutes of the second half.

I expect a defensive battle on Friday night.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 12, 2010, 09:45:09 AM
Moser, thanks for the information.

It likely will be a low scoring game.

Goooooooooo  Bruins!!!!!

It is great to finally reach gameday. 
Coach Rueck prepares well and has given the team everything they need to know to be successful. Execute the plan and a victory will follow.

Goooooooooo Bruins!!!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2010, 11:51:18 AM
Go Lady Reds!
Hello from another of the CCIW regulars.
One thing for certain this weekend, there will be teary-eyed losses for 12 of the 16 teams playing. And, those 12 teams will have had outstanding seasons.
I was looking at the George Fox stats and noticed that Hannah Munger commits a surprisingly small number of fouls for a shot-blocker : in 29 games, only 49 fouls, along with 98 blocks.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2010, 01:37:15 PM
Just east from Wash Univ is a large park in St Louis called Forest Park.
It might be a good idea for the entire George Fox team to run around the periphery of Forest Park maybe 35 or 40 times this afternoon, just to make sure they are loose and warmed up for the game!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 12, 2010, 04:11:42 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2010, 11:51:18 AM
I was looking at the George Fox stats and noticed that Hannah Munger commits a surprisingly small number of fouls for a shot-blocker : in 29 games, only 49 fouls, along with 98 blocks.

RogK

At 6'5", most of Munger's blocks are clean blocks.  She doesn't have to swing her arms all over or try to jump over people to get to the ball. In fact, I've seen her block a few shots with her elbow!

For an 18-year-old true freshman, she is really mature on the floor...and is still getting better!

Go Bruins!

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 12, 2010, 04:17:33 PM
Quote from: Moser on March 10, 2010, 06:17:01 PM
Quote from: 80sshorts on March 09, 2010, 08:39:31 PM
Anybody have thoughts on Carthage?  Looks like they're a good three point shooting team. 

The Lady Reds are no slouch defensively. In a Jan. 5 game against Wheaton, they held the Thunder to 2 points over the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Moser,

Thanks for chiming in over here on the NWC board. I appreciate your take on the Carthage team. Your comment about the Wheaton game really stood out to me.  Because Fox had a similar game this season at Lewis and Clark, the third place finisher in the NWC.  They limited Lewis and Clark (at the time the best offense in the conference) to 7 points at halftime, and 24 in the game.

With that said, the Bruins were limited to 17 in the half and 40 in the game.  Still a "W" though.

Go Bruins!

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: RogK on March 12, 2010, 04:42:26 PM
Thanks for the comments about Munger's shot-blocking abilities, BlueZoneBruin. As a player of that height, she has probably/obviously learned (over the years) how to avoid fouls. She must be agile and smart.
Do opposing offenses avoid her vicinity, after getting a few rejections?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 12, 2010, 10:46:22 PM
Quote from: BruinFan on March 09, 2010, 11:22:00 PM
Quote from: 80sshorts on March 09, 2010, 08:39:31 PM
Anybody have thoughts on Carthage?  Looks like they're a good three point shooting team. 

I have yet to look at their roster or statistics. Apparently Carthage is ranked #1 in FG% and George Fox is ranked something like #5 in FG% defense.

I believe that in most sports, defense wins the big games. Carthage defeated IWU by shooting nearly 50% for the game. They lost big to IWU when they shot 34%. I think if George Fox can hold them to 38%-40% shooting, then a Bruin victory is within reach.

Congratulations Bruins on the victory. The 48 points by Carthage tied their seaon low for points. Carthage shot 32.8% for the game. Keep up the great defense.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: RogK on March 13, 2010, 11:23:08 AM
Congratulations to George Fox! You beat a superb team.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 13, 2010, 12:39:13 PM
Quote from: RogK on March 12, 2010, 04:42:26 PM
Thanks for the comments about Munger's shot-blocking abilities, BlueZoneBruin. As a player of that height, she has probably/obviously learned (over the years) how to avoid fouls. She must be agile and smart.
Do opposing offenses avoid her vicinity, after getting a few rejections?

RogK

Apparently not...Munger now has 105 blocks on the season, which include the 7 she had yesterday against Carthage. It seems that many teams continue to challenge her, despite her height and ability to block shots.

It was a tough game yesterday...glad that we survived!

Go Bruins...beat the bears!

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mark_reichert on March 13, 2010, 11:06:12 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 08, 2010, 02:23:05 AM
Mount Union will fly. What we don't know is whether Carthage put in to host a sectional on the women's side.

Hard to see why not.  Tarble Arena looks like a great place to hold a sectional.

http://www.carthage.edu/athleticspages/general/tarble.html

The Milwaukee airport and even O'Hare aren't that far away, though neither is anywhere near as a close as Lambert is to WashU and the hotels near it.

On the other hand, it is only the second time the WashU women have hosted a sectional.  The first time being the host was overkill.  This time it *may* have given them the edge.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on March 15, 2010, 03:43:45 PM
Congratulations to George Fox on a very fine season.  Repeating is always tough, because you are the team with the bullseye on your back.  In spite of losing two key players, George Fox reorganized and came up strong again this year.  In spite of losing three starters this year, my guess is that George Fox will again be the team to beat next year too.

All teams, have a great off-season.  Already looking forward to the start of next season. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: northernstar on March 16, 2010, 09:00:10 AM
Now that the season is done for all, just a quick recap of what is coming back next year in the Northwest Conference.  Obviously, this doesn't include any potential impact Freshman and/or Transfers. 

PACIFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY (Two (2) Returning Starters)    
Top Five Returners – 48.80 Points/Game

LEWIS & CLARK UNIVERSITY (Four (4) Returning Starters)    
Top Five Returners – 48.60 Points/Game

WHITMAN COLLEGE (Three (3) Returning Starters)       
Top Five Returners – 43.40 Points/Game

WILAMETTE UNIVERSITY (Five (5) Returning Starters)       
Top Five Returners – 42.40 Points/Game

GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY (Two (2) Returning Starters)       
Top Five Returners – 40.60 Points/Game

LINFIELD UNIVERSITY (Two (2) Returning Starters)       
Top Five Returners – 39.10 Points/Game

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (Three (3) Returning Starters)       
Top Five Returners – 37.80 Points/Game

UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND (Three (3) Returning Starters)    
Top Five Returners – 34.90 Points/Game

WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY (Zero (0) Returning Starters)       
Top Five Returners – 16.20 Points/Game
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 16, 2010, 03:44:59 PM
Lots of NW Conference Award winners making their mark on the West Region, congrats to all!

Women's All-West Region Team

Player of the Year: Claire Ely, G., Puget Sound
Coach of the Year: Scott Rueck, George Fox
Rookie of the Year: Hannah Munger, C, George Fox

First team

Pos. Player School Yr. Hometown
G Claire Ely Puget Sound Sr. Walnut Creek, Calif.
G Margo Muhlbauer Buena Vista Sr. Manilla, Iowa
F Courtney Carroll Redlands So. Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
F Stephanie Babij Occidental Jr. Ontario, Ore.
C Rachel Booth St. Thomas Jr. Minneapolis, Minn.

Second team

Pos. Player School Yr. Hometown
G Bri Radtke Gustavus Adolphus Sr. Winsted, Minn.
G Keisha Gordon George Fox So. Vancouver, Wash.
F Laura Kalbfell St. Catherine's Jr. Lakeville, Minn.
C Hannah Munger George Fox Fr. Newberg, Ore.
C Stacey Schutjer Simpson So. Titonka, Iowa
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on June 30, 2010, 04:20:59 PM
A mixed day for George Fox fans as Oregon State University announces Scott Rueck is now their head coach. Happy for Coach Rueck as he moves to D1 and the Pacific 10 conference, but sad to lose him and his family. It has been a great 14 year run.


http://www.osubeavers.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/063010aaa.html
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Wydown Blvd. on June 30, 2010, 04:59:55 PM
Congrats to him and the splash page on the OSU website right now is pretty impressive.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrfx.cstv.com%2Fschools%2Forst%2Fgraphics%2Fsplash%2FUntitled-1_01.gif&hash=90c3a2136a73e386ed1b28757dd9d7d36a52aa66)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on June 30, 2010, 07:24:28 PM
Oregon State is fortunate to have Coach Rueck on board.

Here is a link to gain the George Fox athletic department perspective.


http://athletics.georgefox.edu/sports/wbkb/2009-10/releases/0630
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: roaringtwenties on July 28, 2010, 04:05:36 PM
Meek Introduced as Bruins' New Coach
PORTLAND, Ore. – With over 50 former and new players, family members, friends, and media representatives on hand, Michael Meek was introduced as the new head coach of the George Fox University women's basketball team at a press conference Monday morning here at the World Trade Center in downtown Portland.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on October 13, 2010, 06:16:55 PM
Basketball season is starting up this week!

What are some thoughts on the the teams in the NorthWest Conference?

George Fox and UPS with a new coach?....can they be as dominate as last year?

Lewis and Clark looks very strong...returning 5 out of their top 6 scorers, including there leading scorer from last year who is now a sophomore.

Whitman also returning a lot?...

What do you think?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on October 14, 2010, 04:35:12 PM
Fox is still the team to beat and should be expected to win the Northwest again, they just have way too much size and depth compared to the rest of the conference.  I think Puget Sound takes a step back but still finishes no worse than 3rd in conference, and Whitman and Lewis & Clark will fill in the other spots. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on October 20, 2010, 01:33:51 PM
I agree.....Fox is still definitely the team to beat, but I would be surprised if UPS finished third. They lost their coach and their best player who averaged 20 pts. thats a huge lose. I think LC and Whitman will be the other two competitors for those top 3 spots.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on October 28, 2010, 12:35:02 PM


 

Defending Champion George Fox is Picked to Repeat

 

Spokane, Wash. - George Fox University, which has won or shared four straight Northwest Conference women's basketball titles, has been picked by conference coaches as the favorite to finish atop the conference standings again in 2010-11.

 

The Bruins picked up five of nine first place votes and tallied 81 of 90 possible points in the poll.  George Fox, under first-year head coach Michael Meek, returns First Team All-NWC guard Keisha Gordon and First Team All-NWC post Hannah Munger among three starters.

 

Lewis & Clark College is second in the poll with 71 points and picked up two of the other first place votes.  The Pioneers look forward to the return of First Team All-NWC guard Christina Herring and Second Team All-NWC guard Kristina Williams.

 

Whitman College (62 points) is third in the poll and received the other two first place votes.  The Missionaries battled through an injury-plagued 2009-10 season and will look to sophomore point guard Kelly Peterson to lead the way.

 

The University of Puget Sound is fourth in the poll with 54 points.  The Loggers also have a new coach in Loree Payne.  UPS will look to Second Team All-NWC guard Jocelyn Riordan to step in for Claire Ely, who graduated as the 2010 NWC Player of the Year.

 

Whitworth University is fifth in the poll with 44 points.  The Pirates do not return any starters from 2009-10, when they tied for third place.

 

Pacific Lutheran University (37 points) is sixth.  Six-foot post Traci Goehri will anchor the Lutes in the middle this season.

 

Linfield College (26 points) and Pacific University (25) are seventh and eighth in the poll, respectively.  Robin Potera-Haskins of Linfield is the third new head coach in the NWC this season and Second Team All-NWC forward Gretchen Owens returns for the Wildcats.  Likewise, Second Team All-NWC forward Julianne Erbe is back to lead the Boxers.

 

Willamette University (15) is ninth in the poll.  Senior guard Alex Zennan will look to lead the Bearcats up the standings this winter.

 

The Northwest Conference will use a conference tournament, comprised of the top four teams in the final regular season standings, to decide the automatic (Pool A) bid to the NCAA tournament.

 

The season officially gets underway on November 15th.

 

2010-11 Women's Basketball Coaches Pre-Season Poll:

                                                                                09-10     09-10

School                                   (1st)       Pts.        All           NWC

George Fox (Ore.)           (5)          81           28-3       16-0

Lewis & Clark (Ore.)        (2)          71           16-10     10-6

Whitman (Wash.)            (2)          62           12-13     7-9

Puget Sound (Wash.)                     54           24-5       14-2

Whitworth (Wash.)                         44           14-12     10-6

Pacific Lutheran (Wash.)               38           7-18       5-11

Linfield (Ore.)                                    26           6-19       4-12

Pacific (Ore.)                                      25           7-16       4-12

Willamette (Ore.)                            15           4-21       2-14

(First-place votes in parenthesis. Points awarded on 10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis).

 

=
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on December 11, 2010, 01:39:46 AM
"Six-foot post Traci Goehri will anchor the Lutes in the middle this season."


Uhhh, Traci graduated last year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on December 11, 2010, 04:01:03 PM
Also should note that Micha Pringle is big time addition for Linfield.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on December 23, 2010, 03:57:25 PM
Linfield is moving up....  clearly now likely to beat plu.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on December 28, 2010, 09:49:31 PM
In the words of Pink Floyd: is there anyone out there?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 06, 2011, 03:27:51 PM
Good question -- don't give up, though.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Bird Dog on January 07, 2011, 04:03:31 PM
It's been slow all over.  Hopefully it will pick up after the holidays and when the league championships and tournaments pick up. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 08, 2011, 01:31:14 PM
Good Job LC beating such a good George Fox team.  Also good job to the lutes for ending the losing streak with such a strong win over Whitworth.  If the Lutes can shoot like that the rest of the year, they might make a little noise in the NWC.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on January 10, 2011, 01:44:10 PM
How did LC beat Fox? Was anyone at the game? Who shut down munger and gordon?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 10, 2011, 08:33:17 PM
Don't know how LC beat Fox..... But it looks like an interesting year given that LC lost to Whitworth.  Who in turn got blown out by PLU.  But then Whitworth comes back to beat UPS.... And Linfield is exceeding expectations... Should be an interesting 6 weeks.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 17, 2011, 07:54:15 PM
Good competition within the league is hurting the league in the national rankings....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 19, 2011, 10:59:40 PM
Uncle!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 22, 2011, 05:11:33 PM
Game at UPS vs. LC tonight will determine which team finishes the first half on top. George Fox had better be ready for Linfield as that does not appear to be a gimme.

If GF does win today, then it will be a battle to the end between UPS, LC, GF for the conference regular season title. GF will have both teams at home in the 2nd half - advantage Bruins.

I think the conference is down this year and I will be surprised if any team from the NWC gets to the Elite 8 in the NCAA tournament. I hope it happens, but will need to see some improvement during the next 4-5 weeks.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 22, 2011, 05:54:09 PM
So BruinFan.....Do you think the conference is down simply because your precious Bruins have now lost 2 conference games this year?? The Loggers really took it to them last night!!   Personally, I think the conference is young and with youth anything can happen on any night.  Plus, with several new coaches each team takes on a different mentality than what everyone is used to seeing.  The league is exciting for sure :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 22, 2011, 08:16:13 PM
Handles,

Good point on the youthfulness and teams adjusting to new coaches.

Wisconsin-Stevens Point (#8 in d3hoops) came out west and beat both UPS and PLU and Wisconsin-Whitewater (#11 in d3hoops) beat GFU in San Diego. The last 2 years, it would have been GFU and UPS pushing for rankings in the top #15.

For this year, the top teams in the WIAC appear stronger than the NWC. It took so much time and effort for the NWC to get noticed and respected, I hope that we can continue to have representatives that can win against just about anybody in the nation on a given night.

My saying the conference was down was more from a national perspective and having a team (UPS, LC, or GFU) make it to the Elite 8 come tournament time. Our top teams may not have the record to prove it, but I believe teams ranked #15-25 would find the NWC a tough place to play. The excitement and competition within the league is certainly present and there is much basketball left to be enjoyed this season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 25, 2011, 01:24:10 PM
Agreed BruinFan!!  It seems that the conference is really up in the air.  The top 3 teams are beating each other, the middle teams have wins over everyone, and the bottom teams occassionally pull out wins.  Makes it tough to make any kind of predictions that is for sure. 

Does anyone have predictions for this weekend???
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on January 25, 2011, 06:49:24 PM
the top three teams aren't all beating each other because LC beat both UPS and George Fox
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on January 26, 2011, 04:06:08 PM
I guess what I meant was that they have a loss and are not undefeated.  There is not one team dominating the conference.  LC barely beat fox and had to shoot lights out to get past UPS on the road.  I will try to be more clear for you next time bballfan05!   ;D
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on January 28, 2011, 09:58:05 PM
Looks like LC is going to be the team to beat so far.  Already beating GF and UPS puts them in the drivers seat.  Is this conference going to put two teams in the NCAAs or could this conference beat up on each other enough to only get one team in?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 02, 2011, 03:30:23 PM
First Regional Rankings: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/category/ncaa-stuff/regional-rankings/
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 05, 2011, 08:09:42 PM
First edition of the Regional rankings out earlier this week. And in the West, Lewis and Clark is #2 and Puget Sound is #6. I would like to see the 2nd place NWC team up to #4 before getting too hopeful about 2 teams into the tournament. Now, if LC stays at #2 and then either Puget Sound or George Fox win the conference tournament - that scenario has a decent chance of 2 teams getting in.

43 conferences and only 20 Pool C bids - I certainly believe that the Northwest Conference is one of the top 20 conferences in the nation. Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem to be that simple.

Big game tonight as the Bruins host the Pios. Both teams can make a big step forward by winning this game. Bruins have UPS left and a trip to the Whit's, but I don't see them doing any worse than 10-6, meaning that Whitworth and Whitman (sorry Linfield) are playing for #4. I think that spot will likely come down to when Whitman hosts Whitworth.

UPS goes to LC and then GFU the final weekend. Thus, the conference play-off seeds are not going to sort themselves out anytime soon. Add to the mix the ability of the teams not in the hunt  to impact the final conference standings, so be careful because relaxing could result in a loss.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 09, 2011, 11:26:22 AM
UPS rolled over hapless PLU.  Lutes need a new coach - one who recognizes the importance of defense.  Matador defense... almost comical to watch.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 09, 2011, 03:27:43 PM
Quote from: Lutefisk on February 09, 2011, 11:26:22 AM
UPS rolled over hapless PLU.  Lutes need a new coach - one who recognizes the importance of defense.  Matador defense... almost comical to watch.

You know...there is a great coach available in the Tacoma area with a very successful track record coaching women's college basketball. His name is Gil Rigell. Perhaps Turner should realize her mistake, eat some crow, and come grovelling back to the coach that led the Lutes to national rankings and prominence, conference titles, and a near trip to the Final Four. It's sad to see what has become of the once proud PLU athletic program that only 15 years ago won the Sears Cup (even that is covered with dust and crammed in a trophy case that's too small). Kind of makes you wish that Olson and Hoseth were still running things.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 10, 2011, 11:58:31 AM
BlueZoneBruin, you and exactly right.  Too bad pride will keep Turner from doing the right thing.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 10, 2011, 12:02:23 PM
...are exactly right....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 12, 2011, 09:47:20 AM
Congrats to Linfield on their upset of UPS!  Amazing to see the positive impact a good coach has already made on that program.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 13, 2011, 12:59:02 PM
Lutes Unable to Rebound Against Lewis & Clark
The host Pioneers grabbed 63 total rebounds, and their 35 boards on the offensive end were three more than Pacific Lutheran's total for the game. That led to plenty of second- and third-chance opportunities for the Pioneers (18-5 overall), who remain atop the Northwest Conference standings with a 12-2 record.
http://www.golutes.com/sports/wbkb/2010-11/releases/20110212awyk5f

Sounds like a loud and clear vote of no confidence in the coach when a team quits playing.... again.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 13, 2011, 06:06:45 PM
Lutefisk,

While the rebounding margin was even greater than normal. In conference only games, LC is the clear leader in rebounding margin and PLU is #8. www.nwcsports.com/sports/wbkb/2010-11/stats/confonly.htm

The margin can just as easily be attributed to a match-up of a strong rebounding team vs. a weak rebounding team. I would not be so quick to attribute it as some kind of vote of no confidence - that is pretty harsh.

Maybe using this board to vent will get more people involved, but it won't keep me interested.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 13, 2011, 06:20:47 PM
Bruinfan, with all due respect, you aren't there to see what is happening except for probably two games.  You can call it venting - In my opinion, it is the truth.  I'm just speaking the truth... harsh or otherwise.  My comments are not knee jerk.   And my comments are shared by many others who are there to see what is happening.  Sorry if that makes you uncomfortable.  The PLU players deserve a good coach... there is enough talent on that team to be competitive.  And I believe the players are not getting the support and leadership they deserve.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 15, 2011, 05:46:13 PM
Its never a good situation when everything is blamed on the coach!!  This is college basketball NOT high school.  Its a priviledge to put the uniform on, not a right.  This is always the time of the year when unsuccessful teams start making excuses for why they didn't play up to their abilities.  I know that when PLU took Fox to OT they played pretty well. And when they beat Whitman in OT, they were playing hard.

You can have the best players in the world on paper and not win many games if you don't have chemistry on the floor.  That does not have much to do with the coach, but rather the players and their attitudes toward what they are trying to accomplish.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 16, 2011, 11:08:03 AM
Quote from: Handles on February 15, 2011, 05:46:13 PM
Its never a good situation when everything is blamed on the coach!!  This is college basketball NOT high school.  Its a priviledge to put the uniform on, not a right.  This is always the time of the year when unsuccessful teams start making excuses for why they didn't play up to their abilities.  I know that when PLU took Fox to OT they played pretty well. And when they beat Whitman in OT, they were playing hard.

You can have the best players in the world on paper and not win many games if you don't have chemistry on the floor.  That does not have much to do with the coach, but rather the players and their attitudes toward what they are trying to accomplish.

Let me get this right.... the coach has nothing to do with team chemistry?!  LOL!  The coach has no impact on player attitudes?!  Seems to me the coach is DIRECTLY responsible to develop team chemistry and positive attitudes.  That IS what being a coach is all about.  i've seen many teams turned around simply by bringing in a new coach who knows how to develop chemistry and positive attitudes.  Same players, different result.  Seems to me you want to place ALL the blame on the players.  What's the point of having a coach if all that coach has to do is throw up their hands a go "oh, well." In fact, in this case, it's my impression that this coach does just that: blames the players without accepting responsibility for her poor decisions.  That destroys morale, confidence and attitude.

As for the Fox game, Gordon was out.... BIG difference.  And they did not beat Whitman...   

Also want to know where being on a high school basketball team is a RIGHT?!  Seems to me it is a privilege whether it's HS, college or any other team where you are selected to participate.  And at any level, the coach is responsible for team chemistry and attitude.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on February 16, 2011, 03:10:03 PM
So anyways.....

Big weekend in the NWC. UPS, FOX, and LC will all be fighting for that top spot.

UPS VS LC on Friday (LC senior night)
Fox vs. Linfield on Friday
Fox vs. UPS on Saturday (Fox senior night)
LC vs. Willamette on saturday

What are peoples predictions on who will win and what players will step up and shine?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 16, 2011, 03:38:27 PM
Week 3 Regional Rankings are out: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2011/02/16/ncaa-2011-regional-rankings-week-3/
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 16, 2011, 03:39:57 PM
Think Fox has the upper hand but had better watch out for a surprise from Linfield.  UPS clearly has the toughest "road" given how tough teams are in this league at home.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 16, 2011, 04:25:35 PM
Lutefisk,

I don't believe I said the coach has "Nothing" to do with team chemistry??  Of course they have some.....Attitude though, is controlled by the individual and a coach can only influence that.  Its up to the athlete to choose their attitude!!  So, if a team is worried more about petty behaviors and who is and is not playing, scoring, sitting, rebounding, etc. then their attitudes will show as bad chemistry.  Seems to me....you want all the blame on the coach and I want you to open your eyes to the fact that its not just the coach.  Is the coach part of the downfall?? Absolutely!!  All wins and losses fall on the shoulders of the coach.

As far as the Fox game goes.....With Gordon or without Gordon PLU still took them to OT.  Don't you think a win over Fox would have boosted the teams morale?  A win over Fox is still a win over Fox, with or without Gordon!

Your right they did not beat Whitman BUT THEY DID BEAT WHITWORTH!!!

I firmly disagree with you.....at the high school level parents think its their kids right to play no matter how good or bad they are.  They feel since their kid is putting in the time they should be given the playing time.  It should be a priviledge at all levels.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 17, 2011, 07:44:10 AM
Handles, I certainly agree it is a combination of factors that include both the coach and players.  And in this instance, I will only say I probably have a little more information about the team dynamic than you that I've accumulated in the last few years.  Appreciate hearing your thoughts.  And my only concern is the team. 

College players deserve a good experience which isn't just about winning.  While winning is nice and the goal, there is certainly more to it than that.  I am questioning the quality of the experience.  I expect college students to have quality instructors.  When the instructor does a poor job, I expect a college to act.  People are paying good money and they deserve their money's worth.  Especially, considering the cost of the education at NWC schools.  I don't believe you spend that much money and turn a blind eye to the quality of what a student is receiving.

Best of luck to your favorite team!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 17, 2011, 04:17:37 PM
Well said Lutefisk!!!  Quality instruction is a key element.

I will be rooting for the underdogs this weekend ;D
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 17, 2011, 04:45:37 PM
Handles, I am with you on the underdogs... but I really like this league... it's fun to see these young ladies play hard at a game they love to play.  That's the cool thing about D-3 - these young women play because they love sports.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 17, 2011, 05:47:57 PM
This is an amazing conference!!  I just wish everyone could see that....we have a tendancy to get overlooked by the other conferences and voting committtees.  "For the love of the game,"  holds firm when it comes to DIII athletes.

Predictions on the 4th place finisher????  Whitman, Whitworth, or Linfield??  Its a race.......
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 17, 2011, 06:28:44 PM
Yay! There's discussion on the NWC board! It's just like the old days.

Weekend predictions to come...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 17, 2011, 07:20:42 PM
Looks like Whitman... but if Linfield can pull off the upset over Fox....  Not sure about the tie breakers.  This might be the most competitive playoffs the league has seen in awhile!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 17, 2011, 08:05:00 PM
Quote from: bballfan05 on February 16, 2011, 03:10:03 PM
So anyways.....

Big weekend in the NWC. UPS, FOX, and LC will all be fighting for that top spot.

UPS VS LC on Friday (LC senior night)
Fox vs. Linfield on Friday
Fox vs. UPS on Saturday (Fox senior night)
LC vs. Willamette on saturday

What are peoples predictions on who will win and what players will step up and shine?


My weekend predictions for the contenders...

Friday-
UPS at LC - UPS pulls the (minor) upset. Upsetting the LC senior night crowd. And making the last night of conference play really mean something. UPS by 7.

Fox at Linfield - Although closer than the last meeting (Fox by 15), the Bruins pull out a tough win against a much-improved Linfield squad. The much smaller Cats give Munger trouble, but Hannah still goes for 20+ and another double-double. Fox by 11. (Big question of the game...can the Bruins limit TOs to 15 or fewer?)

Saturday -
LC at Willamette - Duh. Pios by 15

UPS at Fox - If UPS wins, there is a three-way tie for first and I believe the loggers get the #1 seed - having beat Fox twice. Not gonna happen. Bruin crowd shows up en masse for only their second home game since Jan. 28. It's a classic Fox/UPS battle with the home team winning by 5. (FYI bballfan05 - "Fox senior night" isn't. The Bruins don't have any seniors.)

Final Conference standings
George Fox 14-2
Lewis and Clark 13-3
Puget Sound 12-4
*Whitworth 8-8 (Pirates get the bid due to a 3 point victory over LC on Dec. 3 - tiebreaker #2)
Whitman 8-8
Linfield 7-9
Pacific Lutheran 5-11
Pacific 2-14
Willamette 2-14


Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 17, 2011, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: Lutefisk on February 17, 2011, 07:20:42 PM
Looks like Whitman... but if Linfield can pull off the upset over Fox....  Not sure about the tie breakers.  This might be the most competitive playoffs the league has seen in awhile!

From the NWC basketball championship handbook...

Ties shall be broken by:
1.  Head to Head competition in conference games only
2.  Results against conference teams in descending rank order
3.  Best conference road record
4.  Sempert System in conference games
5.  Record versus non-conference common opponents at a common site
6.  Pre-arranged draw by Athletics Directors at the fall meeting
(Adopted Winter 2008)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 17, 2011, 08:07:31 PM
Thanks for the tie breaker info.  :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 18, 2011, 09:36:59 PM
I think Whitman defeats Pacific tonight and claims the #4 spot.

I have noticed not that many seniors on rosters and finally got around to checking the entire conference. I used each school's website as my source. I counted academic seniors as seniors even if they have remaining eligibility for next year.

KEY:  School (# of seniors on roster); (sr. starters - sr. reserves ave. 10+ min. per game)

LC (1); (1-0)
GF (0)
UPS (0)
Whitman (3); (2-1)
Whitworth (0)
Linfield (1); (1-0)
PLU (2); (1-1)
Pacific (1); (0-0)
Willamette (3); (3-0)

Total NWC Seniors (11); (8-2)

Wow! A very young year. Only 11 seniors in the entire conference and 8 of them as regular starters. Coaches will have many familiar faces to work with next year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Out_Of_My_Kitchen on February 21, 2011, 02:56:13 PM
Just posted this on the IIAC board, but what does anyone think they are going to do with the groupings this year?  Since there are no first round byes, do the NWC school(s) fly into the Midwest or do schools come to the NW? 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dahlby on February 21, 2011, 03:09:28 PM
Just speculating, but if the NWC gets a Pool C bid, and Chapman is selected, that would create a four team first round, to be played in the NW or Southern California.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Bird Dog on February 21, 2011, 05:44:02 PM
Quote from: dahlby on February 21, 2011, 03:09:28 PM
Just speculating, but if the NWC gets a Pool C bid, and Chapman is selected, that would create a four team first round, to be played in the NW or Southern California.

I agree with your theory.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on February 23, 2011, 03:53:15 PM
any predictions for this weekend?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 23, 2011, 04:31:29 PM
Final Regional Rankings before Selection Sunday: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/category/ncaa-stuff/regional-rankings/
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: steveflegel on February 24, 2011, 04:43:41 PM
As of this afternoon, all NWC playoff games going on as scheduled tonight, despite the weather.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 25, 2011, 12:43:57 AM
I was trying to follow the L&C/Whitman game tonight and found that Lewis and Clark doesn't often live stats or audio of their home games. All that they offer is a video broadcast that they charge for. I know that Fox offer free live stats, audio, and video of all of its home games.

Does any other school in the NWC charge for access? I feel like that's pretty petty for a school that has a sticker price of 48K+ per year.

And do other schools not offer live stats? That seems like a pretty standard practice these days.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dahlby on February 25, 2011, 01:26:55 AM
Most of the schools in D3 offer free live stats &/or audio &/or video for their games. It would seem that it would be good public relations to offer this for free, as a tool to get alumni that don't live close enough to witness the games (especially prior athletes) to become more involved with their alma mater and eventually donate much needed dollars to the school and/or athletic program. With the costs of such productions dropping every year due to the technological advances nowadays, it is almost penny wise and dollar foolish not to offer this for free. This would be especially true during conference and national tourney's.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on February 25, 2011, 01:30:09 PM
February 25, 2011
2011 All-NWC Women's Basketball Team

Player of the Year: Kristina Williams, Lewis & Clark
Coach of the Year:  Juli Fulks, Lewis & Clark

First Team All-NWC -
Kristina Williams, Lewis & Clark (G, 5-9, So., El Dorado Hills, Calif. - Oak Ridge)
Keisha Gordon, George Fox (W, 5-10, Jr./Jr., Vancouver, Wash. - Heritage)
Hannah Munger, George Fox (P, 6-5, So./So., Newberg, Ore. - Newberg)
Gretchen Owens, Linfield (G/F, 5-10, Jr./Jr., Glendale, Ore. - Umpqua C.C.)
Jocelyn Riordan, Puget Sound (G , 5-9 , Jr./Jr. , Lake Forest Park, Wash. – Shorecrest)
Jenele Peterson, Whitman (G, 5-7, Sr./Jr., Redondo Beach, Calif. – South)

Second Team All-NWC -
Kelsey McKinnis, Puget Sound (G, 5-8, So./So., Ashland, Ore. – Ashland)
Christina Herring, Lewis & Clark (G, 5-6, Sr., San Dimas, Calif. - Vivian Webb School)
Emily Guthrie, Whitworth (G, 5-7, So./So., Snohomish, Wash. - Snohomish)
Megan Spence, Lewis & Clark (P, 6-0, Jr., Kingston, Wash. – King's West)
Erica Schultz, Pacific (Ore.) (F, 5-10, Jr./Jr. , Medford, Ore. - North Medford)

Honorable Mention –
George Fox:  Arianna Mohsenian (W, 5-8, Jr./Jr.)
Linfield:  Kaely Maltman (F, 5-11, Fr./Fr.)
Pacific (Ore.): Paige Jensen (F, 5-11, So./So.)
Pacific Lutheran: Shelly Kilcup (G, 5-7, So./Fr.); Samantha Potter (P, 5-10, Fr./Fr.)
Whitman: Kelly Peterson (F, 5-8, So./So.); Rebecca Sexton (P, 6-3, Sr.-Sr.)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 26, 2011, 10:47:38 PM
[Also posted on SCIAC/Chapman board]

First Round Predictions
-Oxy at NWC Winner
-Chapman against NWC Pool C bid @ NWC Winner

Second Round
-NWC #1 hosts NWC #2

Reasoning for predictions are simple...
-GFU and L&C are regionally ranked ahead of Chapman. Oxy isn't ranked.
-Both remaining NWC schools will get in, regardless of championship outcome.
-Chapman played two games against teams with poor records in the D3-I tournament, whereas GFU and L&C have played solid teams in the NWC tournament (L&C beat Whitman, and Fox beat UPS which was regionally ranked for two weeks - once ranked...). As a result, both NWC SOS go up, Chapman's goes down. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dahlby on February 26, 2011, 10:51:35 PM
BlueZone.
You are probably right regarding pairings, but do you feel my pain on your predictions?
(Just kidding)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 26, 2011, 10:55:49 PM
Dahlby,

Although I'm back in the NWC, I was at Cal Lutheran for seven years. So yes, I certainly understand. Of course, from my current seat, I enjoy the circumstances. 8-)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dahlby on February 26, 2011, 11:42:58 PM
BlueZone,
We just need some of your more physical type players down here. We have the coaching, heart, desire and motivation...but lack in a few other areas.

Cal Lu has been making great strides in the past few years. They have put much emphasis into their athletic programs.

Yes, your seat is probably very comfortable. What can I say?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 27, 2011, 12:27:39 AM
Bruins win with a gutsy performance in overtime! Congrats to Coach Michael Meek for coaching this young team on to the Northwest Conference Championship. With a new coaching staff and seven new players, they are very deserving of cutting down the nets!  On to the first round!

My revised prediction...

Regional Ranking
1. Coe
2. George Fox
3. Lewis & Clark
4. Chapman
5. Simpson
6. Concordia-Moorhead

George Fox hosts First and Second Rounds...
Fox plays Oxy in Round One...
Lewis & Clark plays Chapman...
Fox plays Lewis & Clark in round two for the fourth time this year in yet another physical game. Fox wins by 14.


Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 27, 2011, 12:28:29 AM
Quote from: dahlby on February 26, 2011, 11:42:58 PM
Yes, your seat is probably very comfortable. What can I say?

Kind of like Chapman's seat in baseball.  8-)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dahlby on February 27, 2011, 04:38:31 AM
BlueZone,
OK, you got me there! Plus 1K to you.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Handles on February 28, 2011, 03:43:06 PM
Is it true???  Wait....let it set in.....The NWC not only gets 2 teams in the tournament but they also get separated???  Am I dreaming?  Thank goodness the committee has finally recognized the strength of the NWC and what we have done when we get teams into the tourney.  Congrats to Fox and LC, now go make the NWC proud ;D
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on February 28, 2011, 10:32:41 PM
Quote from: Handles on February 28, 2011, 03:43:06 PM
Is it true???  Wait....let it set in.....The NWC not only gets 2 teams in the tournament but they also get separated???  Am I dreaming?  Thank goodness the committee has finally recognized the strength of the NWC and what we have done when we get teams into the tourney.  Congrats to Fox and LC, now go make the NWC proud ;D

Handles,

No kidding! Bruinfan must be so proud that he is no longer just a voice calling in the wilderness. We've all been saying this for years, and although it cost Fox the chance to host this weekend, there is the distinct chance for the first time that a sectional could be held in the NW. As you say, I hope that both teams make runs, setting up a big Elite game in Miller Gym.

Go Bruins! Go NWC!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 02, 2011, 11:24:02 PM
Quote from: BlueZoneBruin on February 28, 2011, 10:32:41 PM
Quote from: Handles on February 28, 2011, 03:43:06 PM
Is it true???  Wait....let it set in.....The NWC not only gets 2 teams in the tournament but they also get separated???  Am I dreaming?  Thank goodness the committee has finally recognized the strength of the NWC and what we have done when we get teams into the tourney.  Congrats to Fox and LC, now go make the NWC proud ;D

Handles,

No kidding! Bruinfan must be so proud that he is no longer just a voice calling in the wilderness. We've all been saying this for years, and although it cost Fox the chance to host this weekend, there is the distinct chance for the first time that a sectional could be held in the NW. As you say, I hope that both teams make runs, setting up a big Elite game in Miller Gym.

Go Bruins! Go NWC!


I was stunned on Monday as I watched the brackets being announced. I can live with the NWC teams traveling this weekend because of the opportunity to finally be split into two different pods.

I so hope the NWC teams play well. This is not the best year to show the strength of the NWC. I don't know what BlueZoneBruin thinks, but I would rank the 2010-11 version of the Bruins no better than 3rd out of the last 5 years of Bruin teams. Lewis and Clark is definitely not as strong as some of the UPS teams from recent years. However, it is still possible for both teams to put together a pair of quality efforts this weekend and advance to the sectionals.

My guess is Stevens Point will be the sectional host even if LC and GFU both advance.

Go NWC!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 03, 2011, 08:34:54 PM
Illinois Wesleyan was ranked higher in region that Stevens Point in the last published Central Region rankings.  That doesn't necessarily mean anything, but it hints that IWU has the edge to host over the Pointers.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Bird Dog on March 05, 2011, 08:10:05 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 03, 2011, 08:34:54 PM
Illinois Wesleyan was ranked higher in region that Stevens Point in the last published Central Region rankings.  That doesn't necessarily mean anything, but it hints that IWU has the edge to host over the Pointers.

I also believe the next round will be at Illinois Wesleyan. 

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 11, 2011, 09:59:39 PM
Congratulations to the Bruins for pulling off a big win tonight. Great job competing on the Pointers home floor. Very few people saw this one coming and you got it done. Enjoy every moment and come back for another tough one tomorrow.

Nice job Coe, I was pulling for you. It was nearly a West regional final @ UW-SP, that would have been a first to have two West Region schools playing for a Final 4 berth.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 12, 2011, 01:11:20 AM
The Bruins held their turnovers in check and shot the ball well tonight. Couple that would good defense as well, and they are off to their third straight Elite 8. Congratulations ladies!

Keep it up against the Titans!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lovinthe3ball on March 13, 2011, 12:08:12 AM
Got a chance to see the Bruins play tonight. What a great group of players. They played hard and with a lot of class. What a great team who has a lot to look forward to next season. Congratulations!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 13, 2011, 04:57:42 PM
Well done, Foxies!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 15, 2011, 01:23:00 PM
And well done Gretchen!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on March 15, 2011, 01:51:52 PM
D3hoops.com All-west region teams

Hannah Munger: 1st team/player of the year
Kristina Williams: 1st team
Keisha Gordon: 2nd team
Title: NWC
Post by: Lutefisk on December 17, 2011, 02:40:05 PM
Just curious.... Is anyone looking at this site this year?
Title: Re: NWC
Post by: BruinFan on December 17, 2011, 07:06:52 PM
Frequently - yes. Just not commenting yet. Lutefisk, I recommend not starting another board, but continuing the one that already exists.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on December 17, 2011, 07:13:12 PM
An early weekend of conference play has passed. Conference play begins in earnest in 3 weeks. I am looking forward to the George Fox vs. Lewis and Clark match-up in Portland on January 3.  Lewis and Clark picked up a quality win over Kean at the beginning of the season. Both GFU and LC have the opportunity to be highly ranked in the West region by late January. But ... there is a lot of tough Northwest Conference basketball to be played between now and then with other teams wanting to knock the Bruins and Pios down a peg.

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on December 18, 2011, 04:14:35 PM
BruinFan,

Thanks for starting the conversation. I've checked e board a few times and there wasn't any action yet. Having only seen the last three minutes of the George Fox vs. Colorado College game, I didn't feel like I had enough info too get things going.

What I have seen, and read, seems to indicate that it will once again be a two team ace in the NWC again this year. That is not to say that the other teams can't knock either of those two teams around. I think it is unlikely for either team to go undated through the conference this year. However, I don't this the other seven teams have what it takes to crack the top two in the final standings. I just saw that UPS fell to Chapman, as has been demonstrated in past years, and twice already in this young season, the Panthers don't have near enough horses to run with the class of the NWC, which no longer includes the Loggers. Still, it should be a fun season to watch.

My first full game is going to be on the 27th at Concordia. Anyone else heading to that one?

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: NWC
Post by: Lutefisk on December 20, 2011, 10:51:58 PM
Understood but thought a new thread would bring attention to question of who is paying attention.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on December 21, 2011, 01:36:32 AM
I've been thinking about the question Lutefisk had about who is checking the board in the NWC.

I'm not surprised that there is little conversation regarding NWC hoops. It appears that other conferences have contributors that want to talk no matter how well their team is doing. Our conference tends to be more fair weather. Over the years, we have heard very little from those that follow Whitman and Pacific. Given Lewis and Clark's rise to dominance, their fan base has not jumped in here too much. PLU is not what they were under Gil, UPS appears to be slipping, and Willamette is still trying to get out of the cellar ... so the chat pool gets a bit small if only those at the top of the standings get involved.

I don't post that often either and am fine if we are just a quieter bunch.

Concordia vs. George Fox on 12/27. If the Bruins win that one then they go to Lewis and Clark on 1/3 for a conference match-up between two undefeated teams (11-0). I hope that gets some attention.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LCpio26 on December 27, 2011, 09:12:53 PM
If a topic gets brought up I will gladly be the lone LCfan
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on December 28, 2011, 03:27:36 PM
Quote from: LCpio26 on December 27, 2011, 09:12:53 PM
If a topic gets brought up I will gladly be the lone LCfan

LCpio26,
Welcome to the board. Are you going to attend the LC vs. GFU game on January 3? I plan to be there. A big test for both teams.

It is rather early to tell which teams will join GF and LC in the top 4 of the conference and make it to the conference tournament. The only teams I would eliminate now with confidence are PLU and Willamette. Linfield is a long shot, so I guess it comes down to whether UPS or Pacific has enough to finish higher than either Whitworth or Whitman.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 08, 2012, 09:39:24 AM
Hopefully, PLU will finally understand the need to get a new coach....  There is a reason the team lost good players from last year...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: LCpio26 on January 09, 2012, 03:34:12 PM
Bruinfan... I did not make it to that game but I will most likely be at the remaining games and hopefully will make it down to the rematch.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 14, 2012, 06:24:00 PM
Quote from: Lutefisk on January 08, 2012, 09:39:24 AM
Hopefully, PLU will finally understand the need to get a new coach....  There is a reason the team lost good players from last year...

PLU got my attention this week. The players are apparently playing hard and I see that as a plus for the program. I did not expect them to play UPS and LC so tough. I give them credit for their effort and it is too bad they weren't able to get the upset in either game. I wonder if this week will propel them to beating some teams in the middle of the conference pack.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on January 15, 2012, 11:14:31 PM
Bruin fan, nice sentiment but the PLU coach has run roughshod over that program the last several years.  Take away Potter and that team would be 0-15.  Just lucky to have that one player...
This coach has driven away good players by inexplicably supporting players who lack bball skills and team ethic.... witness the two guards with the following stats...  FG-FGA 27-111 3PT 12-62,  31-114, 1-10....  add in the bad rebounding and other stats and you can see why PLU struggles.  Sad because if the coach had not treated other players like all league Melissa Pixler so badly, this team might be competitive...  All I can say is that teams like UPS and LC are taking this team very lightly...which explains close on paper scores in a couple games (LC killing them until letting up big time in last 4 minutes).  Ask Robinson's former assistant why she left... will tell you all you need to know...  Sad to see some kids lose their chance to enjoy college basketball because of a coach with an ego and no coaching talent to back it up.


Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Lutefisk on February 04, 2012, 01:26:35 PM
Imagine PLU without Potter....  0-20 is what you'd be imagining.  Kelly Robinson has mis-managed this program to the Nth degree and she needs to go.  She has no clue about sports psychology which will come as a shock to her... She has no clue to judge player skills - witness the players she has lost due to their frustration with her bad decisions.  Her teams NEVER have any chemistry on the floor which is no surprise as she seems fascinated with players who have NO team concept.

Parents of young ladies considering a DIII school, run... not walk... away from this program.  Unless this university ends the Kelly Robinson reign of terror/incompetence. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 06, 2012, 11:32:00 AM
Lutefisk, we here your frustration loud and clear. It was good to see them have a balanced game against Whitworth on Saturday. Hopefully the program identifies and initiates the best plan moving forward. Speaking of moving forward. Weeks away from NWC Tourney. With UPS sliding a bit with the whit's sweeping them this past weekend and the challenge of still facing GF and Lewis & Clark on their schedule the next couple of weeks, coupled with Whitman's remaining foes, one would put GF facing UPS and LC facing Whitman. With the only outside chance of Whitworth winning out (need to beat Whitman) and UPS winning the other two games on their schedule then they would scrap for the #4. Not saying that an upset is out of the question for UPS against GF and LC but highly unlikely. We'll see if Coach Payne can get them up as GF travels to the fieldhouse on Friday.
            With all the local action I can't help but track GF and LC on the national level. GF as one of only four undefeated teams left in the country, and LC hanging in the top 10  is another great representaion of the NWC. It will be interesting to see the regional rankings as they are set to come out this week. I can hardly wait for the NWC to make some noise on the national stage this year.
           Only a couple weeks left in conference play. Get out and support your local teams!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 08, 2012, 06:43:27 PM
1st Regional Rankings are out. No surprise GF takes the top spot with an unblemished record. LC slides in at #3. First record shows in region record, second overall record.

1 George Fox 16-0 21-0   
2 St. Thomas (Minn.) 20-1 20-1   
3 Lewis & Clark 12-2 20-2   
4 Gustavus Adolphus 17-4 17-4   
5 Wartburg 16-5 16-5   
6 Simpson 13-5 16-5

One more lamp to brighten the target for any upset minded NWC foes as we wind down conference play. Anyone know if GF maintains their ranking and gets past the NWC if they might get to host the first rounds?

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 14, 2012, 09:00:09 PM
Not much drama as the NWC heads into the final week. According to the Whitworth website the Pirates would win the tiebreaker over UPS if they win at Whitman and win versus Willamette, while UPS loses at both LC and Linfield. This will not happen.

Thus, it appears straight forward that George Fox will host Puget Sound while Lewis and Clark will host Whitman. Lewis and Clark has not been as dominant since Margaret Dowling has been injured and not playing. I don't know when she is expected to return. If she does not, I think Whitman has a shot to beat the Pioneers and then face George Fox in the championship for the automatic bid.

Manny - I won't try to predict what the NCAA will do with host sites. More often than not, George Fox has been awarded the first weekend. Last year they were sent to SoCal - don't see that happening this year. A bigger question for me is whether or not multiple NWC schools will be placed in different brackets. I would love to have that happen.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 15, 2012, 11:04:41 AM
I see Whitman did take care of business last night with another strong performance from Peterson. I would agree with you that they have a shot to beat LC. They did come close to upending the Bruins in the early season and almost pulled off a win over LC in their last meeting and it wouldn't surprise me if they did. If they did I would say that the NWC would only be sending one if they loose in the finals as their overall record and lack of national attention would keep them from an at large bid ( just speculating). If they would somehow beat GF then yea I think GF would still get bid but I don't see that happening. Now if LC beats Whitman then I see them getting one even if they loose to GF due to their national ranking all year. We shall see soon enough.

So as we have another week and a half to chat about and witness how the NWC wraps up any interest it fast forwarding to next year? Alot of change happening watchng all of the senior nights and who will be wrapping up their college careers. GF being the most evident as 5 prominent seniors will be recognized at Fridays game against Linfield and LC with 4 at home Friday against UPS.

1. George Fox -
(Gordon, Mohsenian, Rhineheart-Young, Meyers, Towne.) The Rueck era of players begins to fade and the Meek era of players begins to take shape. He is fortunate to have another season with Munger and has a talented  group of players that will step in that will keep them contenders but won't have the depth he has enjoyed the last two seasons.

2. LC -
(Dowling, Hauser, Spence, Snider.)  K Williams and Villanueva will need a strong effort from the rest of the supporting cast.

3. Whitman -
(Peterson, Forge, Keyes). Loose their court leader in Peterson. Two other starters

4. UPS-
(Lowe, Riordan, Basilio) Liked the play of their frosh point guard that will help with loosing Riordan.

Just picked these 4 as they are in the NWC tourney this year. Lots of other changing of the guards.   
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan05 on February 21, 2012, 04:08:43 PM
What are some predictions on the POY and All-Conference teams?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 21, 2012, 06:47:17 PM
February 21, 2012
2012 All-NWC Women's Basketball Team
Player of the Year:  Keisha Gordon, George Fox
Coach of the Year:  Michael Meek, George Fox

First Team All-NWC -
Keisha Gordon, George Fox (W, 5-10, Sr./Sr., Vancouver, Wash. - Heritage)
Gretchen Owens, Linfield (G, 5-8, Sr./Sr., Glendale, Ore. - Umpqua C.C.)
Jenele Peterson, Whitman (G, 5-7, Sr./Sr., Redondo Beach, Calif. – South)
Kristina Williams, Lewis & Clark (G, 5-9, Jr., El Dorado Hills, Calif. - Oak Ridge)
Hannah Munger, George Fox (P, 6-5, Jr./Jr., Newberg, Ore. - Newberg)
Lexi Belcher, Whitworth (F, 5-10, Sr./Sr., Mossyrock, Wash. – Centralia C.C.)

Second Team All-NWC -
Kelsey McKinnis, Puget Sound (G, 5-8, Jr./Jr., Ashland, Ore. – Ashland)
Sara Villanueva, Lewis & Clark (G, 5-6, Jr., Sun Valley, Calif./Poly)
Erica Schultz, Pacific (Ore.) (F, 5-10, Sr./Sr., Medford, Ore. - North Medford)
Samantha Potter, Pacific Lutheran (P, 5-10, So./So., Portland, Ore. – Sunset)
Paige Jensen, Pacific (Ore.) (F, 5-10, Sr./Sr., Bemidji, Minn. – Bemidji)

Honorable Mention –
George Fox:  Arianna Mohsenian (W, 5-8, Sr./Sr.)
Lewis & Clark: Neva Hauser (F, 5-10, Sr.)
Puget Sound: Jocelyn Riordan (G, 5-9, Sr./Sr.)
Whitman: Kelly Peterson (G, 5-8, Jr./Jr.)

I think I would have plugged Arianna Mohsenian on 2nd team just because of her defensive contribution. Good to be recognized none the less.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 02, 2012, 12:38:39 PM
Good Luck to GF and LC tonight. It would have been nice to have these two separated in the bracket but geographically I can understand. There is a good article on D3 hoops website that does make a point of how the LC fans might be wondering how far the post season might be different but GF keeps getting in their way. GF is a D3 hoops fav to make it to the final four, i would have to agree. This is a difficult team to match up aganst with Munger in the middle and so many talented athletes around her. The only question I have is why the coaching staff stops the rotation at 8. He has two of his top ball handlers on the team sitting for the most part. Good problem to have I guess. Its a little scary that GF has so many turnovers a game and still keeps winning. If they want to go deep they are going to have to get a handle on that part of their game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: OshDude on March 04, 2012, 12:18:40 AM
Quote from: Manny24 on March 02, 2012, 12:38:39 PM
Good Luck to GF and LC tonight. It would have been nice to have these two separated in the bracket but geographically I can understand. There is a good article on D3 hoops website that does make a point of how the LC fans might be wondering how far the post season might be different but GF keeps getting in their way. GF is a D3 hoops fav to make it to the final four, i would have to agree. This is a difficult team to match up aganst with Munger in the middle and so many talented athletes around her. The only question I have is why the coaching staff stops the rotation at 8. He has two of his top ball handlers on the team sitting for the most part. Good problem to have I guess. Its a little scary that GF has so many turnovers a game and still keeps winning. If they want to go deep they are going to have to get a handle on that part of their game.
What. A. Game!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 04, 2012, 12:19:55 AM
Wow! I hope someone has a good video replay to check that last shot. I couldn't tell from the GFU broadcast.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: OshDude on March 04, 2012, 12:28:47 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 04, 2012, 12:19:55 AM
Wow! I hope someone has a good video replay to check that last shot. I couldn't tell from the GFU broadcast.
To my eye in the moment, the backboard was lit with the ball in hand.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 04, 2012, 01:09:27 AM
It doesnt get any closer than that but the official started waving it off the second it left her hand. Fitting end to two teams that have scrapped 4 times this year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 04, 2012, 05:00:51 AM
Here is a screengrab of Katie Anderson's shot from a video still of someone sitting in the George Fox student section.  The pixxellation is a little distant from the play, but it does offer a decent alternate view of the shot. 

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/426252_577273687724_98300140_31602324_400186791_n.jpg
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 04, 2012, 12:20:24 PM
Yes indeed. Light was on and the ball hadn't left the hands. Right call.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 11, 2012, 12:51:51 PM
Blue Zone Bruin asked my thoughts on the Amherst/GFU game since I've seen both teams live a couple times now. That doesn't make me an expert on either team but here are my thoughts.

I think the Amherst/George Fox game is a toss up. I told the George Fox broadcasters last night that I'd make GFU a slight favorite. I picked Amherst in the preview column. So clearly I'm torn.

Amherst has to take away Keisha Gordon's ability to drive, much like UMW did last night. Kim Fiorentino is an excellent defender who contained Division III all-time great Chelsie Schweers last year. Jackie Renner is essentially a 6-foot-1 point guard who plays wing. She's quick and long enough to take away some of the open three-point looks that GFU generated last night.

Amherst has more scoring threats than George Fox with Stedman, Robertson, Atanga McCormick, etc. But, like the rest of Division III, they don't have an obvious matchup for Hannah Munger. I asked Bowdoin's coach if the NESCAC had a similar player and she couldn't think of one at the time. Amherst took care of Babson who has a great front court, but George Fox has better guards/wings than the Beavers.

Amherst may try to do what Bowdoin did in the sectional semifinal. Bowdoin played its forward away from the rim to draw Munger away from the basket. Bowdoin got some open looks, but they didn't fall. Plus Bowdoin starts four guards and doesn't have the depth at forward that Amherst does. Hannah's also a physical player so fouls could be an issue with the wrong referee crew. The other George Fox forwards may be solid, but they aren't the unique threat that Munger is.

Keisha Gordon is a great player and will likely be an All-American for us again. She shot great last night, but even beyond that, her passes from the wing to Munger in the post were outstanding. I suspect she gets to defend Caroline Stedman which will be a fun battle of All-Americans.

I've seen a handful of very tall Division 3 women's players (6-foot-5 and taller). They almost always lack coordination, touch or strength. Hannah Munger lacks none of those. She has some of the nicest low post moves I've seen at this level. She has great hands, is a good passer and knows what she wants to do when she gets the ball.  It was a little like throwing a tape in the VCR and watching a Hakeem Olajuwon highlight reel. Defensively she anticipates shots nicely on the defensive end. She gets caught out of position occasionally on the glass, but usually because she's focused on boxing out her opponent.

I'm trying to think of another player like Hannah that I've seen in the 13 years I've covered Division III women's basketball and it's hard to come up with one. Mary Washington had a great center in Liz Hickey (who was incidentally at Friday's game). Liz was quicker but also a little shorter. The only other player I can think of is Cortland State center Kate Smith (http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-decade/women/fourthTeam) who was a Division I transfer and a selection to our All-Decade team. I didn't see the top centers (Ronda Jo Miller, Gallaudet and Alia Fischer of Wash U) since they are before my time.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 11, 2012, 02:03:26 PM
Thanks Gordon for your insight. Congrats Bruins! Safe travels back home.

A potential all West Region National Championship game???? Who'd da thought. I don't think that will come easy. For GF no taller task than to knock out the defending, undefeated Amherst team. That will be some game Friday. Tommies get IWU and as a GF fan we know how focused they are this time of year as victims of their push last year. Possibly another shot at IWU this year in either the title game or 3/4 slot. I know the bruins would welcome it. (Preferrably in the title game I'm sure) Should be a fun week building up to the games in all our forcasting and predictions. Only when the girls lace up and the tip off goes up in the air will we know for sure who will be on their game !!!!! 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BlueZoneBruin on March 11, 2012, 08:11:13 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 11, 2012, 12:51:51 PM
Blue Zone Bruin asked my thoughts on the Amherst/GFU game since I've seen both teams live a couple times now. That doesn't make me an expert on either team but here are my thoughts.

I think the Amherst/George Fox game is a toss up. I told the George Fox broadcasters last night that I'd make GFU a slight favorite. I picked Amherst in the preview column. So clearly I'm torn.

Gordon,

Thanks so much for your thorough break down of the match up. I know that you aren't an "expert on either team," but with the exception of the Bowdoin folks you are one of the very few that have seen both teams in person. That validates your perspective. The rest of us can melt speculate. Both GFU and Amherst fans know our teams well, but don't have a comparative set.

I do think it is great that eae two teams get to play each other. In the 2009 Final Four, we cheered for the Jeff's in their semi against Wash U (and TCNJ in the third place game), while their fans cheered for us against Both TCNJ and Wash U. Great fans, great team, great program.

There are a hundred ways to break the game down. Personally, I just can't wait for the opening tip!

Anyone on this board going to Holland? Im looking forward to the trip once again, regardless of the outcome!

Go Bruins!

BlueZoneBruin
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 12, 2012, 10:14:32 AM
I'll be making the trip. Should be some great games. GF has their hands full with the machine of Amherst Friday. Alot of talk about the seniors at Amherst, playing at a high level consistently for 4 years, mentoring those around them, finding a way to win big games. Congratulations on your accomplishments. Sounds alot like what we have going on here! If GF can go out and play like they did Saturday against UMW they have a great chance to advance to the championship game.

Like you said BZB no matter the outcome this will be a fun weekend to be apart of!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: sumfun on March 12, 2012, 10:54:31 AM
I do remember 3 years ago at Hope how impressed I was with how many George Fox fans made the LONG trip to Michigan.  We did have fun mixing and mingling with them in the stands and at the hotel.  Here's to "sumfun" this weekend, and some good 'ole Midwest hospitality!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 13, 2012, 10:20:01 AM
As a fellow West Regionmate I would like to give a shout out to St. Thomas. Alot of talk about the other three on these boards but congratulations on your season and your post season run. To beat a good Calvin team, who beat a good Chicago team to get here is some feat. Good Luck against IWU, they are a post season handful.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 16, 2012, 12:52:44 PM
GO BRUINS!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 17, 2012, 11:38:36 AM
Manny,
About how many made the trip to Michigan? 50??
We could hear the group cheering, but the camera angles rarely if ever showed a full view of where the group was sitting.

It is going to be a tough one today. Go Bruins!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 17, 2012, 12:20:33 PM
        I would say close to  70. Amazing presence for such  a small group in this facility. Standing the entire game, (resting on timeouts) Every defenseive set were chants of Defense. Couple of comments from Amherst fans after (which were right next to us) were some caught themselves watching us instead of the game. Expect to be out fanned tonight. IWU had a huge fan base. ( Geographical advantage obviously) We will however not waver.  ;).

IWU plays alot like LC, very physical. I lost count of how many fouls they had. I read in the paper this morning as we didn't stay for the end of the IWU game but a couple IWU  players were disqualified. Not sure if that means they fouled out of had a bad moment but they are very aggressive. Officials ( in my opinion) were letting some rough play go uncalled.

Great venue, staff is most hospitable. What an experience. One more to go. I know the girls when asked who they wanted to meet on the other side of the bracket  the overwhelming response was IWU. An opportunity to make up for last years exit.

Go Bruins!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 17, 2012, 02:15:47 PM
Watching IWU online, I thought the very same thing about them looking like LC with their aggressive and physical style. I've been asked if I thought today would be easier than yesterday. My response is no, IWU is on a roll and has a style that is tougher to play against than Amherst. The only game of the 4 against LC that GF dominated was due to incredible hot shooting in the first half.

IWU also has a color advantage today - green.   ;)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 17, 2012, 03:03:20 PM
Agreed, no easier. Different style of pressure. GF guards better be prepared for 40 minutes of in your face. Don't see IWU giving us much outside, UNLESS we can break the press and get it inside and draw them in. Should be an awesome game!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 17, 2012, 03:28:22 PM
Go GF!

Bring the championship back to the western half of the US!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 18, 2012, 06:17:42 PM
Thank You Hope College/Staff for making this a most memorable Championship weekend. Devos fieldhouse is amazing. Had multiple conversations with folks that lived local and were just there to enjoy the games. I here your home teams gather quite the crowds. From Bob Evans to Jackies place to Googs, your surrounding community was an outstanding host and I could not believe the weather we had, 80 degrees and sunny on Saturday!  Bruins players, family, friends and followers appreciate the environment and to be a part of it.

Although we did not come away with the title the time shared with our young women both highs and lows were priceless. There is no doubt that the outcome would have been different if Hannah did not get injured but the girls left it on the court and congrats to IWU. Good call on Coaches part to keep her out, as he said in his press conference " She has another season and the rest of her life, no need to risk something worse"

I am not a huge fan of their stye as we are lucky that no one else got injured. I remember at least two occasions after Hannah, Keisha had her legs cut out from under her driving to the hoop where I wasn't sure if she was
going to get up. It was unfortunate that the officials didn't get control of this game early. Regardless this Bruin team/family is amazing.

Thanks everyone who made the trip, sitting across from the women sharing the environment was awesome!

Bruins, you are the Champions in my book!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: hope81 on March 18, 2012, 10:03:27 PM
Manny and Bruin Fans-

You are most welcome for the memorable weekend.  I had multiple comments from my volunteer staff about the class of your fan base and your excellent support of your team.  Sorry it didn't turn out different, I would have enjoyed celebrating "at the rope" with you folks.

We can't claim the weather, but we do strive to give everyone a good time.  Sounds like you hit some of the local food choices, and who can forget the Fred burger?

Hope everyone traveled safely, maybe we will see you again next year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Mr. Basketball on March 21, 2012, 09:07:27 AM
My Final Four recap:

1.  To the people of Holland, Hope College, and DeVos:  what a great weekend!  Thank you for your hospitality and for a first class event.

2.  To the NCAA:  the officiating was ABYSMAL.  Consistent, all teams, all games.  Too many no-calls-- from traveling, to three seconds to fouls--affected the shooting (32% in final, lowest scoring final ever) and the overall quality of watching the game.  Is this what the NCAA wants?  This "interpretation" of the rule book has got to stop.  Not just in DIII women's basketball, but at all levels.  (Recall last year's men's championship of "uglyball," Butler vs. UConn?)

There is one main consequence of "letting them play," and that is player injury.  Her name is Hannah Munger.    Anyone present in Holland knows that with a healthy Hannah on Saturday, George Fox wins the championship.  (Without her on Friday, Amherst probably wins a second in a row.)  "Thank you", NCAA, for encouraging a style of play that—at best-- ensures that the best players are NOT on the court during a championship game and—at worst—affects the future basketball careers and long term health of such players.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 21, 2012, 10:22:38 AM
Thankfully, Mr. Basketball, you're the first George Fox type I've heard blame the officiating for her injury.

In order to win a national championship, teams have to be able to adjust to different styles of game and different styles of officiating. George Fox should know this from previous seasons. I know fans sometimes don't see it because they don't watch basketball outside of their own area, but it's definitely reality.

The play in particular was not overly physical. It was just unfortunate. There was a lot more physical contact on other plays earlier in that game, but this was just a fluke, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BigMac on March 21, 2012, 12:19:22 PM
I agree with Mr. Basketball. The style of play that the NCAA wanted in the tournament was very evident. At UMW both weekends it was so apparent that they were not going to call the rules of the game, Let them play. Well the rules are there for a reason and need to be called.

Players will play to the level officials allow. So if the rules are not going to be inforced they will break the rules. That is called street ball and should not be allowed in any NCAA game. THis is no way why UMW lost to GF in their last game but in the second half of the game the second foul of the half was called at about the 8:00 mark left in the game. Are you kidding me??? But I watched both weekends of play all the games and the officials calls were abysmal thru out the tournament. I was thinking it was just the CAC referees but I guess they told them all "Let them play" Not what everyone wants.

I agree and I think EVERYONE know's Munger not hurt GF is the Champions this year but I guess that is part of the game but if the officials are calling the game correctly the unfortunate fluke may of not happened., in my opinion
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: RogK on March 21, 2012, 01:41:34 PM
Next year, tell us right away if you notice that "the officials calls were abysmal thru out the tournament." Don't wait until you see who wins.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 21, 2012, 02:44:08 PM
Quote from: BigMac on March 21, 2012, 12:19:22 PM
I agree with Mr. Basketball. The style of play that the NCAA wanted in the tournament was very evident. At UMW both weekends it was so apparent that they were not going to call the rules of the game, Let them play. Well the rules are there for a reason and need to be called.

Players will play to the level officials allow. So if the rules are not going to be inforced they will break the rules. That is called street ball and should not be allowed in any NCAA game. THis is no way why UMW lost to GF in their last game but in the second half of the game the second foul of the half was called at about the 8:00 mark left in the game. Are you kidding me??? But I watched both weekends of play all the games and the officials calls were abysmal thru out the tournament. I was thinking it was just the CAC referees but I guess they told them all "Let them play" Not what everyone wants.

I agree and I think EVERYONE know's Munger not hurt GF is the Champions this year but I guess that is part of the game but if the officials are calling the game correctly the unfortunate fluke may of not happened., in my opinion

No, not EVERYONE knows this.  Hannah was not injured last year, and GF lost to IWU anyway, despite the Titans digging themselves an even deeper hole (27-4 at one point).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BigMac on March 21, 2012, 03:29:24 PM
I'm a fan of UMW not GF. I just know what I saw and in my opinion GF would have won.

The rules of the game are the rules of the game but for some reason NCAA does not want it called during the tournament. It was so obvious that the referees were told to"let them play" and not call anything. So the teams play all season with rules but then get to the tournament and it all changes.

What's really funny is when they call nothing one half but then start calling everything the other half or the best one is a team has 10 fouls called on them and the other team has 2 so at the end of the half they start calling all these fouls on the team with 2 so to catch it up and at the end the fouls are close.

My complaint is with the whole tournament officiating not just the championship game. I watched 6 games at UMW and it was really bad. I just thought it was the CAC officials as they are REALLY bad, and are always really bad. Get a few that do a good job but 80% is bad. I then saw Mr. Basketball's post and just thought I would chime in.

Do not know if Munger was hurt because the officials were told to "let them play" or not but do know the play gets rough as the referees "let them play" and not call the rules of the game.

NCAA could save $$$ just use 1 referee every game. You are only getting calls from 1 anyways so why pay the others to run the court with their whistles in their pockets :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 21, 2012, 06:49:03 PM
I don't believe the Munger injury was the result of the refs encouraging wild dirty sinister play.  IWU is a physical team but there have been games this year where opposing players have hit Hannah harder on a more repetitive basis and have been specifically more physical with her than the Titans were on Saturday, and the Bruins have learned to deal with the predictable contact.  (I've heard around the grapevine during regular season games where opposing teams have basically said that the gameplan going in is hack Munger in order to prevent her from hitting 2 footers – makes pretty good sense to me)  In fact, lost in all the storylines about the injury and Mia Smith finally winning the big one and the great play of Olivia Lett, is how well officiated the championship game was.  I felt calls were consistent on both sides, and IWU simply knocked down more free throws and big shots in the end than George Fox did.  One thing we all can agree on is how excellent the host city and the host college was for the Final Four this year.  Holland knows how to roll out the red carpet for everyone who comes to town in March. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BigMac on March 22, 2012, 10:08:18 AM
Do you think Lett would have played as well if there was a 6'5" player out there guarding her?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: RogK on March 22, 2012, 12:08:50 PM
Hannah is a wonderful player and happily has another year to enjoy basketball.
Nobody knows for certain how things would've gone, absent her injury on Saturday. As Natalie Merchant beautifully sang in 1993, let the mystery be.
(correction : one more year to enjoy college basketball; many years to enjoy basketball)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 22, 2012, 02:03:58 PM
Hannah playing 35-40 mins in the national championship would've completely changed the complexion of the game.  Her absence and the possible results had she been in will be one of the great What-if questions in D-III national championship lore. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on March 22, 2012, 02:41:23 PM
Note that I am not saying for sure that IWU would have won even if Munger was not injured.  I'm simply saying that I can't blindly accept that GF would have won except for the injury (see Elite Eight, 2011).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 23, 2012, 12:32:59 PM
Point taken. Going back to Saturday and discussing the game in relation to the season the players had is one thing. Reaching into 2011 results is a bit of a stretch. It is amazing the growth these kids experience from one season to another. Hannah has really come into her own. I'm sure you felt the same way  this year with Olivia. 2011 has no value in validating anything in 2012. Congrats to both teams for some amazing entertainment.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 24, 2012, 03:46:12 PM
For those interested in an update on Hannah Munger.

http://blogs.georgefox.edu/life/?p=1173
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: RogK on March 26, 2012, 11:22:29 AM
Thanks for that update, BruinFan. I hope all goes well for her, including a successful rehab and a fun season next fall/winter/spring.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BigMac on April 03, 2012, 10:05:01 PM
Quote from: BigMac on March 21, 2012, 12:19:22 PM
I agree with Mr. Basketball. The style of play that the NCAA wanted in the tournament was very evident. At UMW both weekends it was so apparent that they were not going to call the rules of the game, Let them play. Well the rules are there for a reason and need to be called.

Players will play to the level officials allow. So if the rules are not going to be inforced they will break the rules. That is called street ball and should not be allowed in any NCAA game. THis is no way why UMW lost to GF in their last game but in the second half of the game the second foul of the half was called at about the 8:00 mark left in the game. Are you kidding me??? But I watched both weekends of play all the games and the officials calls were abysmal thru out the tournament. I was thinking it was just the CAC referees but I guess they told them all "Let them play" Not what everyone wants.

I agree and I think EVERYONE know's Munger not hurt GF is the Champions this year but I guess that is part of the game but if the officials are calling the game correctly the unfortunate fluke may of not happened., in my opinion

This is what I was posting about. Glad there are many who also think the same:

http://www.theday.com/article/20120403/SPORT01/304039933/-1/SPORT
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Walter Eagle on September 04, 2012, 09:51:18 AM
I got nothing to say...just wanted to get the last post more recent than April 3rd.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2012, 05:29:43 PM
The D3hoops.com women's basketball preseason Top 25 is out:

http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2012/10/womens-preseason-top-25
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on October 25, 2012, 09:59:22 AM
Thanks Pat,
The Bruin leadership that was lost with Keisha. Ari, Breezy, Carly and Carrie will be missed. That group was special. What they left however is etched in some experienced minds who now have the opportunity to shine in their own way. They will be balanced with most of returning starters (3) , seasoned subs who have had the pleasure and experience of playing with the above and enjoying the journey the last couple of years coupled with a large group of incoming freshman. It will be an interesting season. Alot of questions surrond Hannah's recovery. Alot of others will need to step up and score (who have shown they can, but need to be consistent) to offset the competition trying to stop her. If she heals and is stronger than ever look out. She has the ability now to take over.

One statement I saw on another post rings so true. The target is now set. It is so hard to maintain a high ranking. Everyone raises their game at the opportunity to beat you. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on January 03, 2013, 10:29:17 AM
Now that conference play is underway and we have had a chance to see some of the teams this year anyone have any observations?

            Good to see we have a couple teams representing in the top 25 again. It also appears we have a competitive road ahead. Congrats to LC on a solid start, a #5 ranking in the latest polls and a clear position to be the team to beat this year. Consistency goes a long way and they seem to be the most consistent heading out of the gate. Going 36 for 43 at the charity stripe Monday againt GF tells me they are focused. On the other hand GF, #24,  has the ability to be very good but lacks the consistency it needs to repeat. Not to say they don't find it and show it but so far they are a team that is growing and finding themselves right now. Allowing a team to go to the stripe 40+ times along with a couple techinicals, tells me they are a little frustrated finding their game right now. Not to say they don't find because if/when they do they can be very good. Which has got to have the rest of the NWC licking their chops for the opportunity to get a win against the team that has dominated the last 4-5 years.
           Whit's are off to a good start. The next couple weeks should prove to be intersting as they travel West to face LC, GF and Pacific who is also off to a good start. PSU got back into the win column last night against PLU after two tough losses at the Whit's in December.
         
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on January 08, 2013, 04:54:32 PM
Whitman leaps past GF in the polls to 19th with their big win against LC Friday. GF drops to 25. LC drops to 10th.

3 teams in the top 25 from the NWC! Anyone know when the last time that happened? Whitman battles the other Whit tonight then visits GF on Saturday.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 19, 2013, 11:21:56 AM
Quote from: Manny24 on January 08, 2013, 04:54:32 PM
Whitman leaps past GF in the polls to 19th with their big win against LC Friday. GF drops to 25. LC drops to 10th.

3 teams in the top 25 from the NWC! Anyone know when the last time that happened? Whitman battles the other Whit tonight then visits GF on Saturday.

Hi, I'm an occasional lurker logging in for the first time.  Impressive that there were 3 NWC teams in the top 25, a bit disappointing to see so little discussion. 

Whitman of course, just as it looked like it was making itself a major player this year, promptly lost two games and dropped themselves out of the top 25.  They looked strong beating Lewis and Clark, a lot less so against George Fox so my diagnosis is they're too inconsistent to be a favorite for the conference championship.  If they're hot they can probably beat anybody, but they can also lose to a lot of teams.

Hannah Munger still looks rusty and GFU's defense looks less ferocious than it did last year.  Lewis and Clark lacks height, or more correctly either lacks good height or lacks confidence in the height that they have.  So they both have some issues but at the moment it looks like they'll battle all season for the championship and I would expect will both make it into the NCAA tournament as they did last year.

My sentimental favorite is L&C, they'll sometimes go ultra-small because when they put their five best players on the court, as they tend to do in crunch time, their tallest player is 5'9" Taylor Wang.  So in the NCAA tournament I think they'll get killed by teams which have good big players.  But in the meantime they play an exciting brand of basketball, highly aggressive and active on both offense and defense.  Wang might be guarding the opponent's biggest player in the post one minute and picking up the ballhandler the next.  All five can drive inside or shoot 3s from outside.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on January 21, 2013, 10:43:13 AM
Thanks for Chiming in, I was getting tired of talking to myself.

I think your assessment is pretty accurate. At the half way point some observations stand out.  I agree LC is in a position to break the GF run of conference champions because of their balance of experienced players if they can be consistent. The big win against GF then to come back the same week and get beat the way they did against Whitman shows they aren't quite there yet. LC does not have a deep bench but if they don't have to go there they should win out.

Whits on a good night can challenge anyone but your right, good nights are too inconsistent. 

GF is a team in transition. They have had a slew of injuries. Hannah is not at full strength but the play of Hayes and Wolfe is encouraging. Arnoldy seems to be healthy now but had some injuries over the past month. Heckendorf and Parker are out, freshman class is getting the opportunity to see good minutes and have played well enough to win. Big game with LC at GF on Friday. My opinion is they should rest Hannah and get her as healthy as possible for the post season, see how they can play against a quality team without her so they can find some chemistry without her just in case.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on January 21, 2013, 10:50:19 AM
Let's also point out that both LC and GF take their show on the road in the second half of the season with the upper challengers. I'm sure the Whit's, Pacific and UPS will have something else to say about the conversation.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 24, 2013, 10:06:25 PM
Manny,

I completly agree on the road schedule for LC and GF. LC only has Willamette and Linfield at home out of 8 games. GF has the same teams at home plus LC tomorrow.

The Whit's and UPS have a chance to influence the order of finish prior to the conference play-offs.

See my post on the Top 25 conversation promoting tomorrow's game between the Pioneers and Bruins.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 26, 2013, 03:45:09 AM
Quote from: Manny24 on January 21, 2013, 10:43:13 AM
My opinion is they should rest Hannah and get her as healthy as possible for the post season, see how they can play against a quality team without her so they can find some chemistry without her just in case.

Yes, that re-injury that Munger suffered -- and subsequently, tonight's loss to L&C, suggests that you were right about letting Munger recuperate her knee and aim to be ready for the conference tournament and NCAA tournament.  Well she may in fact now be getting exactly that sort of rest and recuperation, which could be a good thing for George Fox in the long run if she can come back stronger.  The hard part will be working the rust out of her game, so that also has to be balanced against resting her.

Whitman still has a chance to put a hurt on LC and GFU at home, and so most likely we'll see 2 or maybe even 3 of those teams battling to the end of  the conference season.  Last season was my first one watching NWC basketball; despite the dominance of GFU there was plenty of excitement and good basketball along the way and this season looks even more competitive and exciting.  None of the teams look like likely candidates to advance to the NCAA final as GFU did, but there's good basketball being played in the league.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Cdalakelady on February 02, 2013, 12:16:08 PM
Sure proud of the Whitworth Pirate Women last night.  Never seen they play such a good game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 04, 2013, 10:33:58 AM
Indeed, Whitworth pulled the upset of the week over LC and forced yet another log jam at the top of the NWC. The four participants of the NWC tournament are becoming obvious  but how they finish and who they play are still up for grabs. Whits will have another chance to shake up the standings this week as they play each other tomorrow night and host GF over the weekend.

LC came back and beat Whitman on Saturday to stay atop the standings and plays the bottom have of the NWC over the next couple weeks and I suspect will win out. UPS played them tough last time they played and LC barely got away with a win. UPS at home, yes. Upset? We shall see.

GF has their hands full this weekend traveling to eastern washington as LC did last weekend. I am going to assume they will continue to play without Munger. Hayes and Wolfe are playing pretty well while she is out. Their Freshman also continue to step up.

Whitman and Whitworth laceup tomorrow night at Whitman. We'll see if the Missionaries can even the season series at home as Whitworth took the early season game at home.Then both take turns hosting GF this weekend.


Regular season is shaping up to have a competivie and entertaining finish.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 11, 2013, 09:36:59 AM
Congrats to both Whits this weekend. Both put the hurt on GF. Whitman with their defense holding GF to its lowest point total all year and Whitworth lit them up with 3's.

It was good to see Munger get back off the bench with some minutes however GF just played poorly in the areas where you need the stats, 45% FT combined both nights, of the 81 rebounds only 17 were offensive. 4 of 34 from beyond the arc. Then to let Whitworth who is known for launching long range get a dozen to fall is just poor defense. They will have to get back on the hustle wagon and want it if they are going to get back into it.

UPS nearly pulled off an upset of their own with LC but it was LC who prevailed by 2. LC is poised to win the NWC Conference, two more wins and it's theirs.

Not sure how the tie breaker would work if all the top 4 won out with GF and Whitworth. We shall see.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 14, 2013, 05:39:10 PM
No big head to head games to determine Conference title this year.

LC travels to PLU, LC wins gets Title.
Whitman travels to Linfield & Willamette, Whitman wins both gets #2 seed
Whitworth travels to Linfield and Willamette, Whitworth wins both gets #3 seed
GF Travels PLU and UPS, win or lose gets #4 seed

First games of NWC Tournament next week:

Thursday 2/21:

#1 seed LC hosts #4 seed GF. I'm not quite ready to rule out an upset here. GF has the talent, they just have not been able to find 40 minutes of chemistry. No better time than this game. Munger needs a big game. The rest of team has stepped up when she has been out but seem to have retracted when she gets back in. It just can't be the Munger show, they just need to play and have some fun. LC has remained healthy but has shown some vulnerability. Their balance of guards is tough to navigate. This game will be won or lost in the paint.

#2 Whitman host #3 Whitworth. Both teams have won on their home court this season. If Missionaries can hold the Pirates to under 8 3's I'm going with Whitman. If Whitworth can run the floor and wear Whitman down to where they see some open shots, Whitworth has the edge. It's going be a close game. One thing I've noticed with either of these teams is they have the ability to come back. Neither team should get to comfortable with a lead. Gaps are quickly closed.





Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 21, 2013, 01:04:17 PM
Anyone have any speculations on the games tonight? With LC having the season they have had and maintaining their rankings all year both top 10ish and regional, even if they get upset I think they may get an at large bid to the tournament. All others I think need to win out for the chance.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 21, 2013, 07:53:03 PM
Manny 24,

Thanks for trying to keep the conversation going - a very quiet year on the board. I'm guessing that neither LC or Whitman have many followers on this site.

Of all the possible combinations tonight, the result that would surprise me the most is Whitworth winning at Whitman. All four teams should feel like they can compete and come away with a victory, which makes for a great conference tournament.

I believe LC is likely in the national tournament with the #2 regional ranking even with a loss tonight. A win tonight and they are a lock.
Whitman has a reasonable shot at an at-large bid with a win tonight. I think they can get in with a loss at LC due to their #6 regional ranking.

George Fox and Whitworth need to win the conference tournament as an at-large bid seems out of reach.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 22, 2013, 10:58:37 AM
Congrats to Coach Higgs and the Whitworth programs who have both Men and Women in the NWC Championship games. You would think getting out rebounded 50 to 31,  that the outcome would look a little different but the lady pirates had eight different players hit from long range and once again it pays off. Neither team had to worry about to much of any come backs as I don't think either led by more than 6 the entire game. Good defensive effort to hold Whitman well below their average. Good luck saturday.

Congrats to LC in putting aside any doubt in the ability to get past GF and put their streak of NWC championships to an end. The hot and cold season for Bruins continued. After racing out of the blocks to an 11-2 lead in the first five minutes of the game to only scoring 12 the remaining 15 minutes and allowing 35 in it. They did come out and play pretty consistent in the second half but to little to late. Congrats to Munger on an outstanding career and all the best moving forward. It is very difficult to recover from that kind of injury she suffered last year. Time for key players to get healthy. Also with good minutes for the freshman this year, they will be back and competitive next season for sure.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 23, 2013, 12:03:39 AM
Congratulations to Whitworth for coming through with the result I thought was least likely last night.

Lewis and Clark did not panic during the first 5 minutes of the game as GF came out hot and then faded under the defensive pressure of the Pioneers. I think this is the first time since 2006 that GF has not been in the conference final.

LC seniors Williams and Villanueva will be tough to replace next year, although Anderson will easily make the transition from spark off the bench to starter. GF only significant loss will be Munger who tried to make the best of a tough circumstance this year. Hannah often not being at full strength gave the Bruins a head start on learning to play with out the all-star senior in 2013-14. Bruins should have plenty of guard options next year if Heckendorf and Parker get healthy and rejoin Cusick, Roos, Blizzard, and Miner in the rotation.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: (509)Rat on February 24, 2013, 12:42:02 AM
Congrats to the Whitworth women. Beat LC for the pool A bid tonight. Guessing LC will get a pod? I should probably check women's regional rankings...can't imagine Whitworth women getting it, especially with Men hosting 1st round game
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 25, 2013, 03:30:44 PM
Interesting bracket that the committee has furnished for 2013. Whitman is the talk of the morning after being bounced in the conference tourney semis but sneaking into the bracket, and "only" have to travel to Portland for a pod with L&C (host).  Meanwhile, the outright winner of the conference tournament, Whitworth, gets rewarded by being flown out to Atlanta and taking on the champion of one of the best conferences in Division III, Emory.  That's a tall order for the Pirates, but if they were to pull off the upset, I would like their chances in the second round against either Huntingdon or Ferrum.  If they make it to the sweet 16, and Whitman or L&C emerges in the Sweet 16 as well, that might open the door for the NWC to host a sectional as well (I've glanced at the other side of the NWC-heavy bracket and it looks like there is a heavy Northeastern concentration of teams so logistically it's just as likely they could fly Whitman/L&C and Whitworth out east if that's what eventually transpires.  But there's a lot of games the Northwest teams have to win to get there first).  Generous of the NCAA to give the conference three tourney bids so good luck to all three! Personally I'm curious to see if Lewis & Clark can finally make a long March run now that their annual nemesis is out of the way. I think they were at least an Elite 8 caliber team last season if they hadn't run into George Fox so soon.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 27, 2013, 01:51:54 PM
It's a long trip for Whitworth, but I think there's a reward in avoiding Lewis and Clark.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: (509)Rat on February 27, 2013, 04:54:51 PM
They've beaten LC (and Whitman) 2x each this year. I don't know if sending them to a familiar gym, 5 hours from home, to play a team they've beaten 2 out of 3 games would be much of a punishment.

But the Whitworth women played their best bball at the right time. I don't think they'd be a "favorite" against any of the teams in the LC pod anyways, so it really doesn't matter where they got sent. I would just imagine it'd be nicer for the players and their families to stay closer to Spokane.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ron Boerger on February 28, 2013, 10:27:21 AM
Hoping my Trinity women can keep it close against Lewis and Clark tomorrow night.  The level of competition in the SCAC is nowhere near what you face in the NWC and the travel won't help.  If not this season, maybe next year, with almost everyone coming back and Coach Hill having another year to indoctrinate everyone into the system he brought in this year.    TU improved from 9-17 to 23-4 in his first year of collegiate coaching (though admittedly some of that improvement comes from the SAA splitting off from the SCAC).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on February 28, 2013, 11:11:36 AM
A quick point of view from what Pat mentioned. Whitworth is the team that has proved to be playing the best " right now". They have beaten three ranked teams for 4 wins this month. To play outside of a first round bracket of the other two NW teams is a great opportunity to get two NW teams to the sectionals. Not to take anything away from the other 3 teams in Whitworths bracket as they are very good but with the way Whitworth has been playing on the road, has a good a chance as any to get there.

I understand your position of hoping it would be closer for the parents but try to understand we are on an Island out here in the great NW when it comes to this Tournament. To have three teams in it from the NW does not come along that often. It's not surprising because both LC and Whitman are regionally ranked to get the positions they did. Whitman has got to be as stunned to be in the tournament on one side of the pendelum as much as they were to have thought to be eliminated by Whitworth on the other side of the swing a week ago. Congrats to Whitman, first time ever to be in the dance. It's been like 13 years since Whitworth has been in it. Enjoy the ride. You never know when you will experience it again.

The players themselves should be the ones who soak it all in the most, enjoy the experience, play as if it was their last game and have fun. Even though you may not make it to any of the first round or even sectional games, the deeper you make it, the more I would suggest you try to get there,  especially if one of our teams makes it to Holland. Our trip there last year was one of the most memorable experiences. All the games that were played to get there we could re-live through the players experience and the fun they had, it was awesome. Because of the hospitality and welcome mat that was delivered, to see Hope in it this year I'm pulling for them to go all the way on their side of the bracket!


Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Whatagame on March 08, 2013, 08:40:30 PM
Whitman defeats Emory, taking the lead for the first time in the game with I believe 58 seconds left, to earn Elite 8 game!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 08, 2013, 09:08:18 PM
Congratulations to Whitman! Way to represent the NW Conference.

1 more win and the NWC will have a final 4 team for the 3rd time in 5 years.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 09, 2013, 12:05:10 PM
I talked with Whitman forward Sarah Anderegg about the team's trip -- literal and figurative -- to the Elite 8. You can find the interview here (http://www.d3hoops.com/playoffs/women/2013/whitman-anderegg-interview).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 09, 2013, 12:46:31 PM
Gordan, thanks for posting the link to Sarah's interview. I hope Whitman can play well tonight and keep their season going.

Here is how the top 4 teams in the NWC did against each other in the regular season and the conference play-off. The teams are in order of play-off seeding and home and away records are included.

Lewis and Clark  5-4  (3-3, 2-1)  Ranked in top 15 most of the season
Whitman            4-4  (2-2, 2-2) 2 wins at Lewis and Clark
Whitworth          5-3  (3-0, 2-3) tough to beat the Pirates in Spokane
George Fox        2-5  (2-1, 0-4) Lewis and Clark turns the tables this year and beats the Bruins all 3 times
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 09, 2013, 03:58:18 PM
For what it's worth, Whitman's win last night establishes the NWC in the upper tier of elite conferences in my mind.  My short list is the CCIW, NESCAC (Williams' conference), NWC, UAA (Emory's conference), WIAC and the UAA.

To be an elite conference you need to have a recent national champion or runner up, consistently have a team in the Top 15 and have a rotating group of top teams. With Whitman and Whitworth's emergence to complement George Fox, Lewis and Clark and (not too long ago) Puget Sound, the NWC is a real good one.

There are some excellent individual programs outside of these conferences, but I think these are the best conferences.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 09, 2013, 08:20:39 PM
I appreciate the recognition. I agree with your list of conferences. Geography is very kind to the NESCAC when it comes to hosting sectionals.

I'm sure you discovered by now that the 31 points per game given up by Whitman was a typo. I don't know your source, but on the NWC site, the number is just over 51 points a game. That is still a great number and makes more sense.

I did not watch, but apparently a very rough first half for Whitman tonight against Williams. I hope they can come back and make it respectable.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 09, 2013, 11:41:54 PM
Yeah, as the words were coming out of my mouth, I knew 31 was a mistake. Fortunately Sarah didn't call me on it. :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 10, 2013, 12:40:13 AM
No problem - it was a little thing. You did a nice job with the interview. I hope Whitman doesn't have to get up in the middle of the night to head back to Walla Walla.   :)

I'm glad Whitman closed some of the difference in the 2nd half. They had some good defensive efforts in the last 5 minutes where Williams would still manage to score late on the shot clock. I thought if Whitman could have gotten it down to 5 or 6 with 3 minutes to play it would stay interesting, but they could not get it under 8. Whitman played hard to the end, but it is Williams that moves on to play DePauw.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 10, 2013, 07:16:20 PM
I think the flight home was 10 am out of Albany. Not terrible, but rough weekend for Day Light Savings time. :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 16, 2013, 04:09:37 PM
We've released our list of All-Americans. Congratulations to Kristina Williams.

http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2013/03/womens-all-americans
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on December 03, 2013, 05:33:51 AM
I got my first glimpse of a NWC team this season, when Whitman visited Concordia University in Portland.  Whitman's an easy pick as the favorite to win the conference (I'm surprised that two NWC coaches voted for Lewis & CLark in the coaches' poll; losing Kristina Williams and Sara Villanueva to graduation has to hurt the Pios badly) and they duly demolished Concordia, at one point doubling the score 67-33 before coasting to the win.  One of their key backup big people, Heather Lovelace, was in street clothes however and looking through the Whitman website I see that she's expected to miss most of the season with a knee injury.  That leaves Whitman a little thin up front.  I think they are still heavy favorites to win the conference, which doesn't seem to have a lot of elite big people with Munger graduated.  But assuming that they do make it to the NCAA tournament, they'll have to hope that Lovelace is in shape and in sync by then, as they'll start facing teams with big and talented frontcourt players.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 16, 2014, 08:31:21 PM
No chatter yet for the Northwest Conference?

The NWC has proven it is one of the top 3 or 4 conferences in the country.
It currently has 2 teams ranked in the top 10 and last year had 3 teams in the tournament and George Fox was not one of the three!

We will learn a lot this weekend with all 3 teams at 4-0 in conference matching up in Newberg. Whitworth @ George Fox on Friday and then Whitman @ George Fox on Saturday.

mkt, do you still think Whitman is the heavy favorite to win the conference? I'm looking forward to see how well the Bruins hold serve at home. All 3 of these teams will be looking for big road wins during conference play to gain the #1 seed in the NWC playoffs in February.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 17, 2014, 06:05:58 PM
I am new to D3 WBB boards, although I've been reading for months. Many knowledgable posters are on here. I appreciate reading the comments. I hope I can add something of value, at least once in a while! 

After many years following and being involved personally in both DI and DII, I happened to stumble upon D3 WBB online, last March. Whitman at Lewis & Clark. Instantly hooked. I basically haven't missed a Missionaries game since (even going Live Stats, if I have to.) Thanks to the NWC portal, I've also seen every other top NWC team, at least twice already. The best teams DIII teams play the game exactly the way I love to see it played. I have a ton of respect for all the schools, coaches and players. Thankfully, so many DIII schools offer free live streaming these days. (I also regularly take in the top NESCAC teams, DePauw, St. Thomas (MN), and other Top 25 teams, when against strong opponents. To me, there's no doubt that many, many DII and DI teams, despite them giving out athletic scholarships, would lose to the cream of the DIII crop.)

I place Lewis & Clark at no better than #5 in the NWC this year. I do see 3 NWC teams again getting into the NCAAs: Whitman, George Fox and Whitworth. I believe Pacific Lutheran is #4. They already beat the Pios, and they gave Whitman all they could handle last weekend.   

The Lutes clearly came out fired up in Walla Walla, after their Friday night drubbing at Whitworth (who, after a slow start, are really firing on all cylinders of late.) You know how every team, no matter its level, seemingly has that one game a year where absolutely nothing goes right? Many missed layups - many missed free throws - unusual foul trouble, etc. That was Whitman, vs. PLU. And I love watching how teams deal with that. In the second half, the always-tough Whitman D swarmed the Lutes like they were 5 honey bees, attacking the guy who was swatting at their hive with a baseball bat! I also saw Hailey Mcdonald get from one end of the court to the other faster than any basketball player I have ever seen. Like she had a jet-powered engine on her back! The only reason Whitman won that game is because the ladies, mentally, totally refused to allow any other result. Every coach likes to think their team has that inside of them. But very few actually do. The second half of the Whitman season opener, vs St. Thomas, at Whitworth (beware: some 1st half audio issues) may have been the most exciting WBB game I have ever seen - and I've been watching since Kim Mulkey was the hotshot PG for La Tech, way back in the day.)

Everyone knows the Missionaries rely heavily on Anderegg and Johns. And every mega-winning team has a Meghan White-type. Undersized, major hops, and a GPS-like ability to know where the missed shot's rebound is heading. But the huge difference this year is Traver. Last year, Whitman's Achilles heel was having no real 3-pt threat. And Traver started then, too. But this year is different. She is now a clutch, high %, cold-blooded, 3-pt assassin, with a new, lightning-quick release. Makes all the difference for them. You can't pack it in and play zone against Whitman this year, like you could last year. Makes their two "stars" lives so much easier. I just love how many DIII players get so much better as players, over their four years.

One of my oldest, dearest friends has put in 30+ years as a college men's coach. Actually won a national title. He's said to me often, "You only really need three *players*". I believe him, then and now. On paper, George Fox's roster appears far deeper than Whitman's. But I have yet to see that consistent, high-level intensity level from the Bruins. But I will defer to the Bruin poster here, who has for more knowledge of this year's George Fox club than I do. I especially look forward to Saturday's game, as, for some reason, Whitman actually seems to prefer playing on the road. Thanks for reading!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 18, 2014, 03:16:05 AM
Quote from: BruinFan on January 16, 2014, 08:31:21 PM
[...]
It currently has 2 teams ranked in the top 10 and last year had 3 teams in the tournament and George Fox was not one of the three!

Yup, that pretty well describes the strength of the NWC.

Quote
We will learn a lot this weekend with all 3 teams at 4-0 in conference matching up in Newberg. Whitworth @ George Fox on Friday and then Whitman @ George Fox on Saturday.

mkt, do you still think Whitman is the heavy favorite to win the conference?

At the moment, yes.  But the only game of George Fox's that I've seen so far was their too-close victory over Lewis & Clark last week.  GFU did not look like a Top 10 team, but I think everyone -- players, coaches, and fans alike -- agreed that they were out of synch that game.  Can they consistently play close to their potential, and more importantly how good is that potential?  In recent years, the graduation of players such as Hannah Munger, Keisha Gordon, and even Ariana Mohsenian meant that the Bruins were losing talented athletes, with replacements who frankly did not look nearly as good.  They had a lot of freshmen last year who did not impress me -- but they seem to have made strides between then and now, Justine Benner especially.  If their young players have more potential than I was thinking, then GFU may have successfully reloaded.

But with Whitman, we KNOW they're good.  GFU is to me still a question mark; I'll be at Saturday's Whitman@GFU game and look forward to seeing some answers to those questions.  For the moment, I think the current and pre-season polls are correct to put the Missionaries over the Bruins but we will see.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 18, 2014, 04:06:19 AM
Quote from: d3wbbfan on January 17, 2014, 06:05:58 PM
After many years following and being involved personally in both DI and DII, I happened to stumble upon D3 WBB online, last March. Whitman at Lewis & Clark. Instantly hooked. I basically haven't missed a Missionaries game since (even going Live Stats, if I have to.)

[...]

The best teams DIII teams play the game exactly the way I love to see it played.

Whitman is both good, and fun to watch.  But you caught only the ending chapter of a memorable Lewis and Clark squad; it's only my third year of living in Portland but if I live here twenty-three more years I don't expect to see another local D3 team as fun to follow as that one was.  They were good, but of course the past couple of years there've been a number of good teams in the NWC.  What I liked about that team was the way that I could tell that the coach knew she had five good players and wanted to give them more minutes, but felt that she had to bow to convention and keep one or two big players on the floor.  But she kept straining against convention and last year finally took the attitude of scr*w it, I'm going to put my best five on the floor for critical minutes.  Those five were 2 point guards, 2 shooting guards, and swingperson Taylor Wang, who would be the tallest Pio on the floor at 5'9".  With that small-ball squad, the Pios pressed and double-teamed on defense, and ran on offense.  All five could and did do everything on the court:  handle the ball, drive fearlessly to the hoop, and shoot 3-pointers.  They were skilled and aggressive.

What they weren't of course was tall, and there's only so far you can go in basketball without some good height.  And they had to get past Whitman in the NCAA playoffs to get out of that tough NW section, and that's where Whitman showed that they were a legit top team.  But it was a good run for the Pios. 

You are correct that this year's Lewis and Clark team is depleted, due to losing the NWC player of the year Katrina Williams and NWC All-conference Sara Villanueva.  So that memorable Pio team is no more.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 18, 2014, 05:41:38 PM
Good to have some responses from mkt and d3wbbfan. I suspected there were others like me who do more reading than writing on this d3 site.

I especially like that we have some variety with mkt keeping an eye on Lewis and Clark and d3wbbfan on Whitman. Those are strong programs that have not had much representation on these boards.

Will post more later this weekend, but want to make sure mkt is aware of the 4 PM start time today for Whitman @ George Fox.
I'm looking forward to this one. A Whitman victory puts them in control and a George Fox win will keep us guessing deep into February.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 18, 2014, 06:32:35 PM
Thanks, BruinFan. I know of your team's high-quality pedigree in recent years, and I truly hope you were closely following George Fox in the "Blue Zone", when they won it all a few years back. There's just no feeling like winning it all! I caught a good part of the Whitworth battle Friday night. Coach Meek does a solid job playing to the strengths of his roster. And Wheeler (your place) and Pamplin (Lewis & Clark) clearly have the largest and rowdiest NWC fan bases. Great to see such in-person support for the ladies!

With Anderegg, Traver and White all seniors, this is clearly the year that it has to happen for the Missionaries, if they hope to include their name with the Bruins, among recent NWC teams to reach the Final Four. Whitman's last two efforts have been off. Their bigs usually never miss from point blank range. But they have been - repeatedly - during the past week. And if the Missionaries have this continue tonight, the Bruins will win in Newberg by double digits. But, from what I've seen of them, the bigger the stage, the better Whitman seems to play.

Your clear size advantage was already gonna be helped by Lovelace being out all season for Whitman, so far. But their top frontcourt sub (Maeda) didn't play at all at Linfield Friday. If she's still out Saturday, I see the Bruins size edge as even more of an advantage. George Fox will have an absolute feast down low, if anyone besides Whitman's starters, Maeda, Ketner or Brewer has to play double digits minutes.

mkt, I'm so glad you enjoyed last season's Pio squad like you did. That's what it's all about. And you're right about my late arrival. Point taken. I do know that Tayler Wang had a very tough NCAA game vs. Whitman, but that's she's having a great SR campaign so far. Losing Christina Williams was huge. And I do think I probably caught your '13-14 Pios on-line at some random, down moments. (And I likely happened to see PLU at their best times.) Therefore, I do now think that both the Pios and Puget Sound are quite solid, and that they will likely be fighting it out for 4th.

Thanks for the chance to talk NWC women's hoops. More later.... 

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 19, 2014, 07:43:42 PM
(Thanks BruinFan, I made sure to know about the 4pm start, although I still missed the first few minutes of the game due to %$#@ heavy traffic on 99W.)  Whitman won 75-63, but anyone who watched or followed the game knows that it was much closer than that, a very hard-fought contest.  Both teams played their trademark pressure defense; Whitman's offense looked just a little better than GFU's.  But for awhile in the second half, George Fox dominated on the offensive boards, and got ahead by ... I forget 7 points or maybe 9 points.  I don't know if it was a halftime adjustment or just a random streak, but that rebounding streak could have meant the difference in the game.

But then Whitman managed to start grabbing defensive rebounds; again I don't know if they made a counter-adjustment or if it was just random. 

The other source of tension was GFU's depth that d3wbbfan mentioned vs Whitman's not-as-deep roster (especially with Lovelace out, and Maeda playing hardly at all this game).  The game was hard-fought throughout; would Whitman's players be able to keep it up or would they get worn down by GFU's depth?  As it turned out, in the second half both coaches used radically shortened benches, with both teams playing only three substitutes for meaningful minutes in the second half.

So both of those questions were answered in Whitman's favor, but it wasn't until the final minutes that a Whitman fan could breathe easy.  This game lived up to its billing as a battle of the northwest titans, likely the best and most exciting game we'll see ... until GFU travels to Whitman for the re-match (and then there'll be the NWC tournament, and a good chance that these teams might meet yet again in the NCAA tournament).

A couple of observations about players:  Lovelace is a big loss for Whitman (but Megan White really stepped up against GFU, so Whitman managed to always have a quality big person on the floor).  In the past I've thought that Maeda looked like a good substitute big person -- but I may've been watching her play against inferior competition, and the under-sized Lewis&Clark squads.  Possibly she's just not good enough to put on the floor against top-quality competition such as GFU?

Hayley Cusick was on fire in the first half; not only were her 11 points the most that I'd seen her score in a half, she looked unstoppable in doing so.  She always towers above the PGs who are trying to defend her, but in the first half she showed explosive speed and quickness on both the break and in the halfcourt, plus crossover moves which left defenders grasping at air while she blew around them and into the lane.  And most importantly she was looking to drive and to score much more than I'd seen in the past.  But IIRC she went scoreless in the second half.  Perhaps her coach thought she was doing too much 1-on-1 (one of the things that makes NWC basketball so fun to watch is that the good teams play a team-oriented game rather than having prima donnas).  If Cusick and GFU can figure out how to meld her 1-on-1 talents (which I hadn't seen on display much, despite her being the starting PG for the two previous seasons) with the team offense, GFU will have moved up a notch offensively.

Finally, this was a battle of the Hayleys and Megans.  I'd need to look at the rosters again but I think there were three Megans and four Hayley's (counting variant spellings such as Halie) on the two teams combined.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 20, 2014, 03:14:29 AM
mkt, thanks for the in-person game report. Love your point about Cusick. She sure is talented. And you are totally spot on about how beautifully pure and team-oriented top-level NWC ball is. And it stands out like a sore thumb, when someone's gone "off grid" on that philosophy. And she surely did. The same thing can happen with Johns, on occasion. She's just so athletic, and she's been no doubt blowing past her man, off the dribble, since the first day she ever picked up a ball. But she usually reaches the goal still running way too fast, and will, annoyingly often, miss an easy two, by just firing up an out-of control shot, as best she can, basically praying that it somehow goes in. But, about half the time, Johns' shot will careen way too hard, off the glass. All that work. No payoff. Not to mention that any player's ability to actually aim the shot correctly is also adversely affected by their excess foot speed. They're nowhere near squared up. Almost 100% of quick, slashing guards have this exact same issue - be it DI, II or III. Watch for it, going forward. You'll see what I mean.     

This particular shooting problem seems to apply almost exclusively to women's players, for some reason. Fast players love to play fast. 100% of the time. Slowing down is against every basketball instinct they possess. I always taught this: When driving, excess speed kills, right? When shooting a basketball, shooting with excess speed/body movement will kill a player's FG%. What these slashing guards all need to do, to actually score the goals, is to "decelerate", during their last step or two, before they release the ball. It is absolutely vital. They'll suddenly start making almost all of them. And yeah, one or two of these new, "slower" layups might get blocked, due to this sacrifice of speed allowing for a defender's occasional recovery. But that's OK. Because they've made 50 more layups, over the course of a season, with them shooting them this way instead. It's a very positive trade-off. But it's extremely difficult to get these players to actually slow down, at the very end of a slash, for shot accuracy's sake. The way these quick guards shoot many of their layups now, it's like they're trying to make a right turn in their car, while going 30MPH. Way too fast. (And bad things happen then, too.) Watch how often players make this one mistake. And it's not just the guards - wings and posts can also be thrown off shooting, in this very same way, when they get motoring - it's just not as common at the 3, 4 or 5 spots.

mkt, with all due respect, your speculation about Maeda hardly playing at all Sat possibly being a coaches' decision is 100% incorrect. Maeda is 6th in total minutes played, and 5th in most FGs made. If you read the Whitman site's recap of the Friday win at Linfield, Coach Ferenz mentions "we are dinged up right now, and it messed with our rotations tonight." She was talking about one person: Maeda. In that regard, Coach is a 1st-half creature of habit: Ketner, then Maeda, then Brewer (unusually early foul trouble excepted) - every game. Can't speak to last year, mkt, but Maeda is a very valuable part of the Whitman rotation this year. But, with all due respect to Gray, the second I saw Katie enter on Sat. (avg: under 8 mpg), I knew that Hailey Ann was still hurting - big time. Because that never happens. (And you're right about the names: Whitman alone has a Hailey, a Hallie, and a Hailey Ann. I bet the first practice was fun. I can hear Coach saying, "OK, each of you 3 ladies pick a unique nickname for yourself - right now!")   

It wasn't until Anderegg and White had picked up 2 first half PFs each, when Coach found herself in a major frontcourt bind. She basically had to ask Maeda if she could give her just a couple of minutes, before halftime. She toughed it out, but, to those of us who know her game, you could see that Maeda just wasn't right at all. And she was DNP in the 2nd half. Maeda has been averaging over 17 mpg this year. She's only a sophomore. Her major leap in PT this year is three-fold: Lovelace's injury, she's gotten better, and starting '12-'13 wing Mary Madden has graduated. Maeda is actually far more of a natural offensive threat than White is. And while I absolutely love Meghan to death, no coach would ever choose to teach either White's footwork or her "shotput" stroke. (And I admit, I do say a prayer before *every* FT White takes! - it worked Sat: 3-4 vs the Bruins.)  :)   But White is a major, clutch, late-game performer. Just like Anderegg, Johns & Traver is (who the Bruin guards did a superb job guarding, all game long.) Those three late, consecutive White hoops were absolutely vital in igniting the Missionaries' big late run Sat., to give Whitman the hard-fought road win.   

It was eerily similar for Whitman, vs. perennial national power St. Thomas (MN), in the season opener, up at Whitworth in Spokane. Whitman down 10 - about 7 mins to go - but then three late, clutch 3-pt daggers in a row, all by Traver, and Whitman squeaks out the win by one. They were also trailing the entire NCAA Elite 8 game against Emory (GA), out in MA. Down double digits early. But the Missionaries start to peck away. And they keep pecking away. Finally, Whitman takes their first lead of the game, inside of the final minute. In the handshake line, Emory didn't know how their season had just ended. They were walking, "good game" zombies! Nothing fazes this Whitman team. They're iron-willed, and none of them ever gets tired. All 5 have a great handle, and can easily bring the ball up (it happens every game. I was actually doing cartwheels when the Bruins started out pressing full court. That strategy will *never* work against Whitman. They're far too versatile a bunch.) I know they will again do the NWC proud, come March. And that's a good thing. Because next year, I expect it'll be the Bruins back on top. But we're in the "now". And this '13-'14 Whitman team is a fearless, ultra-competitive, veteran group. It's not just that they have ice water in their veins. They treat pressure like it's an energy bar: The more of it, the better. That's extremely rare. And this quality showed up, yet again, Saturday in Newberg. And every one of them is bound and determined to give every possible shred of effort that they possess inside them, to advance as far as they possibly can in postseason. I've already seen on-line at least a dozen other top DIII teams, each who have more overall talent than Whitman does. But what Whitman does have is this "X" factor. The guts of a burglar. And last year's run has fueled this year's Missionaries even more. Man, I'd love to see then play DePauw. Win or lose, it would be a DIII "Battle Of The Titans" I'd never forget.

As for the Bruins? They are a talented, tough group. And they definitely came to play on Sat. Great game to watch. Very high level. My sincere congratulations to them. The only concern I would have, were I a George Fox fan, is the lack of late-game FGs. The Bruins were up 8 Friday (55-47?) - with under 4 to go. I believe that all 4 of their remaining points came from the FT line. As a result, you guys were just a missed McConnell 3-ptr at the buzzer, from going to OT with the Pirates. Hey, that can happen to any team once. Bad day. But this same, late Bruin drought on offense did show itself again on Saturday. Granted, it happened against the other two, NCAA-likely NWC teams. And you guys would know far better about this than me. But is this an issue that has surfaced before this season for George Fox? If so, I'm sure Coach Meek and his team of great young ladies will work hard to fix it, ASAP. And, among other things, re-double their efforts to now ruin Whitman's Valentine's Day evening, in the rematch up in Walla Walla. Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 20, 2014, 06:29:19 PM
Thanks for the info re Maeda, makes sense.  Your remark about over-speeding players is timely, one of the things that I noticed about Heather Johns in this game was how effective she was when she paused and faked; once the defender had committed she'd step around and under to get off her shot and usually get either a field goal or free throws or both.  Fred Brown used to do that in the NBA (but he usually shot 2-handed from outside whereas Johns was usually doing this in the lane and often putting up one-handers), and among post players Kevin McHale.  It's a wild shot for most players, but if you can make those shots you're pretty much unstoppable 1-on-1.

I also agree that we can already foresee the Bruins coming on strong next year, whereas Whitman's two best bigs are seniors (I've liked how Lovelace and Maeda have looked, but it's very hard to replace a player like Anderegg), plus Traver's a senior too.  Whitman still looks like the favorite in the NWC, but one thing that GFU  fans can still hope for is rapid growth of their young players, so that they're a stronger team when the end-of-season tournaments begin.  OTOH, Whitman's got some promising-looking young guards too.  Ketner made what was probably the shot of the game, something which made even Johns' acrobatic shots look staid.  That provoked me to look at her season stats ... 41% FGs on the season is not promising, so maybe it was just a lucky slop shot.  But she's 46% in conference play; if that shot was a sign of what she can do rather than just luck, then she could be a player to watch in the future.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 20, 2014, 07:09:30 PM
A couple of more responses to your observation about overly speeding guards.   That's one of Lewis&Clark's  Katie Anderson's strengths; she'll build up a head of steam and just streak to the basket -- but she will usually make those shots (and often draw a foul too -- or sometimes an offensive foul because she's pretty much out of control by the time she gets to the basket, but she still manages to make the shot or draw the contact).  GFU's Jamie Roos has some of this ability too, but as you said often when the speed goes up, accuracy goes down and she's not immune to that.

And then Cusick.  More than any of the other women players I've seen in the NWC, I can easily imagine Cusick being on a playground for hours each day playing against male players.  She has ease and confidence handling the ball, plus height and speed -- a combination of natural talent and what seems to be a gym rat background.  Your observation about speed vs accuracy applies to her too.  What I find interesting is that last year she shot 43%; she's never been one of the big scoring guns for GFU.  But so far this year she's at 51%, while upping her scoring to double digits per game.  Those stats, plus her hot first half against Whitman and reticent second half suggest that she may be in the process of working out how to feature her offensive game more, but without hogging the ball or shooting too many of those wild layins.

Finally, even though you limited your "speed kills" story to women players, I think it applies even to NBA players -- or at least it used to.  One of Lenny Wilkens' specialties was what Seattle Sonics' announcer Bob Blackburn called his "running left-handed hook" as he exploded to the basket and put up a shot as he streaked by.  Wilkens was naturally left-handed so he had a bit of an advantage there.   When Bill Russell encountered Wilkens' running left-handed hook he could only shake his head and say "pure junk".   It's probably a more routine, make-able shot for current NBA players, but the principle that you describe was there.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 22, 2014, 04:24:43 AM
mkt, another thoughtful, enjoyable post - thanks.

The Missionaries stay perfect, riding their usual big-game tightrope to score the final 5 points, eking out Part I of the "Battle of the Whits", 62-57, inside a Sherwood Center that was sadly as populated as the Movaje desert. (The ladies from both teams deserved so much better. At this rate (Whitman now #3 in DIII), will surely be hosting multiple postseason games. Loyal L&C WBB fans always seem to support their Pios in large numbers. Here's hoping that the top-tier NWC club's fan bases will travel well, come March.) Heck, no wonder Whitman plays better on the road. Even with classes now well underway, and against their traditional rival, you could count the # of students there in single digits. Man, I'd kill to be there in-person, but I'm a country away, here in CT! I could watch many CBB games, both M and W, from coast to coast, on-line. (And of course, I watch every UConn WBB game on TV.) Yet, out of the whole lot, I choose to watch Whitman WBB. To me, they're the best of the best. (And *many* thanks to the WC Athletic Dept., for making all their home WBB games available, with nice guy Bob McCoy on the call; my check is going out the school next week!) Even if UConn is playing at the same time, Whitman is still who I will watch. It's truly a shame that this special 13-14 Whit team is going so totally unsupported in Walla Walla. Is there that much else to do there? I thought it was a small town....

mkt, you are *so* right about their FR Ketner. Her 3 against the Bruins, to tie it up late (59-all?) to finally get Whitman even again, was the single biggest hoop of the game. Alysse has been coming on really strong, since conference play. Tonight, to no one's surprise, the Pirates got out quick in both halves, against the always-slow-out-of-the-gate Missionaries. But Ketner was quickly inserted in the 2nd, and was basically the only player scoring at all for Whitman, for a 5-7 minute stretch, to keep them close. (She'll clearly be their #2 player next year.) Maeda was back to her usual minutes, and added 9 key boards. Johns hit her 20 ppg average, with every one badly needed. My personal fave, Sarah Anderegg, had a double-double (12 and 10), but has shot just 21-52 over her last 4 games; mainly from way in close - way below her norm, and not like her at all. It simply can't last - she's their top player. They've also been bricking from the stripe of late, missing 10 tonight, and had 14 crucial misfires recently, in their OT win vs PLU. Including many, late 2nd half 1-of-2's vs Whitworth, with the outcome still highly in doubt.

I've liked Whitworth's PG (Zappone) all year. Long arms, great handle, nice interior passer. But she had two late TO's, inside of the last 2 minutes. Coupled with final minute misfires by Lahue and McConnell (who I also like a lot), that was the difference Tuesday night. Johnson was very quiet. Belton-Sharp had a couple of key late hoops. I think Higgs is a fine coach. Her team brings it every minute of every game, and that's a credit to everyone involved with the Pirates.

For the Missionaries, they wrap up a 4-games-in-8-days stretch Friday, as well as their first conference go-round, when the aforementioned Pios come to Sherwood Center, before Whitman gets a well-needed, full week off from the grueling NWC wars.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 25, 2014, 07:11:07 PM
mkt and d3wbbfan,
You two have greatly raised the level of discourse on this site. I'm still catching up on your posts as I've been away from logging in this week. Busy with life, but also bummed about the finish George Fox had against Whitman last Saturday.

Some observations and thoughts to add to the mix.
Finishing games is now an issue the Bruins need to resolve. They went 1-6 from the free throw line at Lewis and Clark during the final couple of minutes, but still managed to win. FG's were scare as noted by d3wbbfan at the end of the Whitworth game and it happened again against Whitman.
So, I'm looking to see how they finish the game tonight against UPS. Hoping for an increased ability to score to close at a game.

Haley Cusick is having an outstanding senior year. The difference is that as aggressive as she is 1-1 with the ball, she picks her spots better and plays more under control than in previous years. She has always looked like a player that spent a lot of time on a school yard court. I think it is foolish for anyone to tightly guard her individually beyond the arc. You have to protect a bit against the 3, but she loves the challenge and opportunity to get past any player who attempts to stop her dribble.

I was very impressed with the Whitman guards. Stable, efficient, and effective. That kind of guard play will serve them well in the tournament. Add Anderegg and the pieces are in place to dream big.

Linfield anyone?  Are they improving or just catching teams by surprise?

Whitworth gave Whitman some trouble this week - is that correct? 
After today, the 1st half of conference play will be done. How about posting your predictions for final conference records heading into the 2nd half?

It's almost time to get to the gym for GF and UPS.  Enjoy the games everyone.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 27, 2014, 01:24:58 AM
BruinFan, for heaven's sake, keep your head up! Your team is deep, talented, experienced and extremely well coached. And while I was quite pleased that the four Whitman seniors were finally able to claim their first-ever win in Newberg, one January game does clearly not make or break the season of a perennial power like Fox, whose Top 25 poll ranking didn't drop at all, despite the loss to Whitman. How many teams can truly go undefeated? It's a long season - even in DIII!

With Whitman off Saturday, I was able to watch a good chunk of your home game vs UPS. Your Bruins are a rock-solid eight deep. I'd like to concur with your assessment of Cusick. Very athletic, and very talented. I really enjoy watching her play. To me, she's a clear mismatch against any other NWC PG, except Johns. And, just like Johns, there are times when Cusick needs to sit for a couple, just for a mental reboot. But that doesn't make either one of them bad people - just human. Both are a major reason why their teams are so successful.

Peacock is really settling in. And I love the experienced "glue" players you have, Arnoldy and Heckendorf. They will never lose you a game. And Benner is gonna become an even bigger headache for NWC opponents, over the next 2+ seasons. I think Meek exercised very shrewd judgement, by moving Roos into the 6th man role this year. I also credit Meek (as well as Lauren herself) for Codling's play. The JC transfer has immediately fit right in, which I always feel is the #1 challenge for an upperclassmen newcomer.

BruinFan, you asked about the Whitman-Whitworth battle. Your eyes must've overlooked it, because my last post had already recounted details of that game, in some depth.

I think predicting second NWC go-round results is very dangerous. Who really knows? (Besides, we always pencil in our faves to win out, right!)   :)   And, although the standings may not show it, conference play is a major grind. The second that any upper-tier NWC team thinks they can relax, next thing they know, they're adding an unwanted "L" to their won-loss ledger. You mentioned Linfield. They're a perfect example of this. Whitman never could shake the Wildcats, winning by just 8 in McMinnville. Couple that with the Missionaries recent OT home win vs. PLU, and I'm positive that Michelle Ferenz isn't gonna have to jump up and down for too long, imploring her troops to perform both well, and with a sense of urgency, during each of their last 8 conference battles. At Whitworth is gonna be especially dicey, for both Whitman and Fox. Because the Pirates already do happen to have 5 losses (although none are bad ones: St. Thomas (MN) (13-3), NAIA powers Lewis-Clark St (20-2) and Eastern Oregon (18-5), along with at George Fox and at Whitman), it would surely improve Helen Higgs' NCAA at-large bid chances if she could keep as "clean" a conference sheet as possible, from here on in. Especially with Whitworth having the two other NWC powers coming to Spokane this time around. And while the Bucs are surely good enough to win the NWC Tourney again this March, as they did last season, no good team wants to view the NWC automatic bid as their only way in.

I thought the Pios did have some good moments in their Whits road swing. Taylor Wang's play was absolutely stupendous, in both games. And I've liked Katie Anderson's game all year. mkt also made the point to me that it's wasn't just Kristina Williams' graduation, but also Sara Villanueva's, that has been difficult to replace from last year's NCAA team. I can see that. To me, this year's club demonstrates a very high basketball IQ. The only problem with that is just about other NWC team I've seen does, too! Also, this league is absolutely chock full of very quick players. Buff, lean, athletic types abound, to my eyes. From top to bottom. But L&C has struck me as a bit slower of a club, in overall team speed, and one that I would try to make run - and run - and run. And I'm not talking about the two players mentioned above. Their builds are both 100% game ready. I won't name any names, but I have noticed three particular Pio players that I felt could clearly be exploited, from both a defensive and a quickness standpoint. Not all "big boned" players I've seen necessarily have these weaknesses. In my opinion, the giveaway is does the level and productivity of such players noticeably decline, the longer that they're out there? (Beyond needing the usual breaks, that all players benefit from, over 40 minutes.) If it doesn't, then the player just has a solid build. But if it does decline, I do then consider that it's possibly an athlete's conditioning level. Two of these L&C players are seniors, and both play quite a bit. (Hoping I might be wrong on that last observation, as I much prefer focusing on the many positive aspects of what I see on the floor.)

Now to some Whitman bullet points, as I see it. No one needs to remind Coach Ferenz that her club is now both senior-laden, and over-relied on Anderegg and Johns for the bulk of their points last season. Entering '13-14, both her other starters, and the bench's offensive production was a major question mark. To me, the top negative that emerged from that reality is that Whitman was *way* too eager to launch long, low-percentage, thread-the-needle "QB-to-WR passes" on the break, even when the opponent's man was back on D. (Case in point: check out the box score of the Whitman 2013 NCAA win over Emory, that got them into the Elite 8. It was the *only* time that I have ever seen a PG (Johns) have double-digit TO's (10), yet still have her team come out on top. To me, it was because of this "Dan Fouts/Mad Bomber" mentality.)

That tactic is "gimmicky", however, and is just not sound offense, long-term. But it was likely necessary, given last season's personnel. There is nothing at all wrong with taking advantage of numbers on the break, and utilizing an overall team speed advantage, to score quick and easy points. But both 2-3 quick dribbles upcourt, or shorter-length passes will achieve the exact same result, without incurring 1/10th of the high turnover risk, that came from having Johns again trying to fit a "heave pass" inside of a 2-inch catch window. In fact, the Missionaries were still employing this "pants on fire, over-force the fast break, at all costs" tactic, in the early part of this season. But, to Ferenz' credit, she's now getting away from it. Her team doesn't need to do it anymore. Her team now is deeper. More skilled. Besides, there's just no reason to minimize her team's time spent in the half-court set. Whitman executes. They run great stuff on offense. They score out of it - often. So why on earth would they opt to prevent these scores from ever happening, because they lost possession 20 seconds earlier, by playing "4th and 50 Football Roulette" with the ball, 8-10 times a game?

The genius of Coach Ferenz this season is that her team has now developed genuine, quality depth. And hasn't taken a single loss in the process, to date. That is *not* an easy thing for a coach to accomplish. After 3 years of not being a 3-pt threat at all, in a previous post, I've already detailed Traver's sudden emergence, as quite possibly the NWC's best '13-14 3-pt shooter in (41 made,  40%+ FG pct, 5-8 vs L&C Friday.) And how Traver single-handedly erased a late 2nd-half, 10-pt deficit, to pull out a narrow win against the powerful St. Thomas (MN) Tommies, in their season opener. But, from Whitman bonus range, there's also now the FR Ketner (who went 3-3 vs the Pios - she's now 50% from 3, on the year), while the FR Brewer also went 1-1 (now 35%, and rising). Ferenz now gives both of the latter the green light, to bomb away from 3, when open. These two have been earning still more minutes each game, making solid contributions. So much so, I don't think Whitman ever gets by Whitworth last week, without Ketner's play. Maeda played just 12 mins Friday (still a bit dinged up), but she still snared 6 rebounds. I also think SR Meghan White has, by far, the best hops in the NWC. Despite what the roster says, White can't be more than 5'10". But she jumps center, and is as crafty and clutch as they come. She also grabs 9 RPG. I honestly don't think that Whitman manages to defeat Fox on the road without White's multiple, late-second-half heroics. There. That's THREE different Missionaries, whose play on a given night has basically kept their team undefeated so far. Shockingly, none of them is named either Anderegg or Johns!   

And more of the same is exactly what's gonna be needed, against the very best DIII teams. I also have a gut feeling that three more Whitman meetings with George Fox are on the horizon. Because Fox is just as deep, experienced and well-coached as Whitman is. To their credit, Whitman already knows this. With two now injured in her frontcourt, Ferenz recently moved 5'10" JR Hallie Buse (who was previously another 3-pt option) to small forward. Buse went 2-2 from the floor, in 10 good minutes vs L&C. Look for more of Buse at the 3 spot, going forward. Arguably the "heartbeat" of the team, popular SR Marah Alindogan, and back from a torn ACL of her own last year, gives Johns an occasional rest at PG, without getting frazzled, benefitting from having logged many minutes for Whitman, over her four seasons. This is a very tight group, and the gregarious Alindogan is the off-court team ringleader. Every great club, in all divisions, seems to have a "pulse of the team" player like Marah on it. But what's special about DIII is that many of these players get to play, and actually contribute, while the game is still in doubt. I absolute love that this happens!!!!!

Weird NWC factoid of the week: Who is the only married starting backcourt in the NWC WBB? Whitman's Tiffani (Brewer) Traver, and Heather (Worley) Johns. Both got married before their sophomore seasons with the Missionaries. (Whitman FR Chelsi Brewer is Traver's younger sister.....)

I initially thought that it was gonna be was a bit of an "empty cupboard" for '14-15 Whitman WBB. But I no longer think this. Anderegg is gonna be a huge loss, no doubt. (I heard a Bruin announcer, after observing a good power move by Peacock on Sat, say "Oh, that *so* much reminded me of what Munger used to do for us!") I read an old article about her injury, this past week. Hannah is a very special young lady, and I'm honestly still so sad for both her, and all Bruin fans, that she tore her ACL during the '11-12 NCAA final, of all times. And how, despite everyone's very best efforts last season, it continued to affect both Munger's minutes and productivity. (Was a redshirt ever considered by Hannah/George Fox? I understand that many DIII athletes choose to not do that, and to just move on with their lives. And I would 100% want Hannah to do what was best for her. But can you imagine what Munger, now back to 100%, would've added to this year's team? Frightening. Forgive me for my naivete, BruinFan. Perhaps you can catch me up on her situation, then and now.) I know I'll be thinking the same thing next year, without Sarah "The Barbie" (her nickname) down low for Whitman.

But with Johns, Ketner, Maeda and Brewer looking like certain starters for next year, I do think incumbent starter/speed demon/defensive specialist Hailie McDonald will need to fight hard to re-win her starting job next season. (But, then again, she came off of an almost *no* PT year last year, to win her starting spot this season. I'm not betting against her.) I'm obviously hoping for a solid Whitman recruiting year. Even with the Missionaries' NCAA run last March, it clearly came too late to have any real positive impact on Whitman's '13-14 recruits. (That being said, it was still a great class.) But combine that big NCAA run, with their 17-0 start so far now? Coach Ferenz and her staff can now finally use all of their recent "positive program mojo" to present to current recruits. Hopefully, some 6'0"+ young ladies (we need some height!!!!) will find Walla Walla irresistible. (Now that the school has finally figured out a way to pack Sherwood Center - offer all students free pizza! It worked Friday night!!!!)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 14, 2014, 11:50:39 PM
Whitman survives yet again against George Fox, 51-46, in Walla Walla. Missionaries' 3-pt halftime lead fluctuated between 1 and 9 in half #2, but Fox could never actually grab a lead. It was like the 5 Bruin players had one leg cuffed to each of the 5 Whitman players, all game long. Absolute defensive struggle. Unusually high turnover numbers for both teams (Cusick 9; Johns/Ketner 6 each) but it was the result of mutual, in-your-shirt d, rather than carelessness either way. A knock-down, drag-out contest was clearly Meek's game plan going in.

Only 1 3-ptr all game for Fox (Codling, in the waning seconds of the 1st half.) Peacock, who I really like, surprisingly went scoreless, and Cusick really struggled on O. Every other Bruin was solid. Usual suspects Anderegg, Johns, and Traver (4 3-ptrs, some *very* clutch) all delivered double figures for WC on Friday night. (Solid bench minutes helped with some Whitman starters' foul trouble.) Fox is a *great* ballclub this year. I also follow the NESCAC (New England) closely, and to me, the NWC top 3 is clearly the stronger league this year (which is really saying something). Man, why does every Whitman/G Fox/Whitworth game feel like an Ali/Frazier fight this year? I don't envy Fox here at all, who's still got Pt. 2 of the "Whits Road Trip" to go. That's gonna be another WBB war for the Bruins....

Good health and good luck to all my fellow NWC fans, as we start winding down...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 16, 2014, 01:50:50 PM
Whitworth has seemingly been lurking under both the NWC and national radar all season. Yes, Whitman/Fox have gotten all the NWC attention so far, with two early Pirate losses to NAIA powers to blame, in part, along with another to the ranked St. Thomas (MN) Tommies. But NAIA games, win or lose, aren't used by the NCAA to calculate a team's worthiness for a tourney bid. So Whitworth has just 3 "official" NCAA losses. Also, to their joint credit, "The Whits" jointly participated in three early weekend events (in Santa Cruz, CA, and one in each's home venue), trying to play/attract other top West Region teams, without actually playing each other yet. Well, the Pirates' tough pre-conference slate surely looks to be paying off now. By the luck of the '13-14 NWC draw, both the Whits got most of their tougher road games over with early on, while the Bruins hadn't yet travelled to either Spokane, Walla Walla or the always-hard-to-win-at Puget Sound, until the last 10 days of conference play.

Helen Higgs has *got* to be a serious contender for NWC Coach Of The Year (although I grant you, at 23-0 so far, Michelle Ferenz has to be the favorite, and deservedly so. Last March, Whitman's big NCAA run had a "play loose, nothing to lose" feel to it. But in 13-14, Whitman's been "The Hunted" since Day 1. That's a totally different deal. Big target. Lots of pressure. You get everyone's best shot. Yet they've still managed to win, time and time again, all the while integrating fully half of their 8-man rotation with meaningful minutes for the first time.) But back to Higgs. Height-wise, is Whitworth the shortest quality DIII WBB team in the US? How many teams jump their PG at center? (Zappone.) To me, watching Kendra Lahue effectively guard Peacock was amazing. (She's gotta be only 5'8", with no hops, and built like a brick house. And I mean this as a compliment!) Collectively, the Pirates are as serious as a heart attack. In a good way. When they score, they *all* act like they've been there before. Not a smile, or even a quick high-five. There's not an iota of "giddy" in their personality. Right back to work. Whitworth relentlessly focuses on their goal. Every second. To win. It payed off Saturday when a Pirate (McConnell, I think), snuck in to steal a Fox inbound pass after a Whitworth made FT, inside of the final minute. Combine that with the previous play, which was a truly unfortunate, self-generated, right baseline ball bobble out of bounds by Benner (who was absolutely fantastic on Saturday for Fox). Justine was clearly their #1 option late, and deservedly so.   

Pirates Kayla Johnson and McConnell are both fairly consistent. Zappone and Knutsen are totally interchangeable at PG. Kendra's slightly better on O, while Zappone's a bit better passer/athlete. It's a great luxury for Higgs; few coaches legitimately have 2 PGs this accomplished. Both played together late vs Fox, which Higgs hardly ever does. Very astute late personnel move. It worked. Lyons reminds me of a poor man's Arnoldy/Heckendorf. Belton-Sharp seems to play more in the 2nd half of Pirate games, and always gives them a lift. Bottom line: IMO, the Whitworth whole is far, far better than the sum of the parts. And that's because of Coach Higgs. When I look over at the Bruin roster, I see significantly more talent there. I'm taking no shot at anybody here. But take Blizzard, for example. She's usually 2nd/3rd off the bench for Fox. She surely would've started for the Pirates since Day 1. Taking nothing away from either player, but Nicole is clearly much more skilled than veteran Pirate starters Lyons and Lahue.

I stand by my assertion that Meek is an excellent bench coach. His club has just been "snakebit" this season. One or two key mistakes, at just the wrong time, has resulted in all three Bruin losses. Surely some late execution errors played a part, to be fair - but luck has not been on Fox's side, so far. Must be very frustrating for Bruin fans, especially coming off of last season's lack-of-tourney disappointment. The one area of concern I see now is that it looks like Meek is still searching for the right combination of players who should be on the floor in the final minutes. It's awfully late in the season for questions like those. And right smack dab in middle of this Bruin conundrum is one Hayley Cusick. She was DNP at Pacific last Tuesday, for some reason (injured?), but she looked 100% healthy over the weekend. She's just so gifted. But when you're a high risk/high reward talent, any coach can start to get gun shy after multiple, narrow losses. I think I'd stay with her, but I trust Coach Meek. My sincere hope is for the Bruins to work it all out, and to play well in March. I'm a bit surprised that Bruin posts have dropped off of late here. Heck, Whitman lost at home in the NWC semis last year. It was our 5th loss. They then got the surprise at-large NCAA bid, and look what happened! If I were a George Fox fan, I'd be keeping the faith. Despite this weekend, your team still has just 3 total losses, in the highly-regarded NWC. You've been in the national Top 10 all season, and the Bruins are a longtime, very well respected, "brand name" DIII program!

I've thought all along that all 3 top NWC teams would make the NCAAs, no matter who wins the NWC tourney. Assuming the Missionaries manage to secure the #1 seed next weekend, the Whitman at Whitworth result Tuesday night could determine who hosts the #2/#3 playoff battle. Fox must win at UPS to have any chance to host Whitworth, as all 3 top clubs have only lost to each other (if at all) so far. If the Pirates win Tuesday, they'll surely claim the #2 seed. But if Whitman stays perfect Tuesday up in Spokane, and the Bruins/Pirates both finish 13-3, it's a coin flip to host, right? If so, I'm picking the home team to win the semifinal.   
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 22, 2014, 04:34:34 PM
LC win over Whitworth is the surprise of last night.

Pioneers still trying to climb up to the #4 seed and stays alive with the big win.

If GF takes care of business tonight, then WW will come to Newberg next week. WW had the tiebreaker over GF, so they missed the chance to host the game with the loss at Lewis and Clark.

LC hosts Whitman and UPS is at home against Pacific. Advantage to the Loggers for the #4 seed. If LC and UPS remain in a tie they will have to go to record in descending order against other teams since they split against each other. LC goes 1-1 against Whitworth and that trumps the 0-2 record UPS had against the Pirates - giving LC the fourth seed.

The best indicator for NCAA tournament selections are the regional rankings. The second regional ranking for the West came out on Wednesday and had Whitman at #1, George Fox at #3, and Whitworth at #6.  While I would like to believe that Whitworth has a good chance, if they lose in the semi to George Fox following the loss at LC, they may be a bubble team. Just not that many pool C slots to give out around the country.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 22, 2014, 05:57:54 PM
You're 100% right, BruinFan. Absolutely DEVASTATING loss for Whitworth at L&C last night. As you stated, the Pirates won the pre-season coin flip vs Fox, and it looked nearly certain that they'd be hosting the Bruins. Now they'll travel to Newberg. It was an even more surprising result, given that Wang hasn't played the last 4 or so games for the Pios. (Must be an injury.) SR Katie Anderson clearly wants one more playoff run. She just went off Friday. 31 pts. Played all 40 mins. I was quite surprised that the Pirates played at the Pios' slower tempo. Bad idea. It kept L&C fresh. (Although when I saw backup Pio post Reese DeHart take an totally ill-advised, 1st-half, right corner 3, that clanged off 5 different pieces of metal and glass before somehow dropping in, it hinted that the Pios might have some special mojo brewing.) I also agree that Whitworth's at-large chances took a monumental hit with that Pio loss. I'd say they're now under 20%. And will drop to zero with a loss in the semis. The only downside for the Bruins now hosting the 2-3 game is that the Pirates are a wounded animal. Higgs' club is no doubt mad as all heck, and will likely will be arriving in Newberg as angry as a pack of rabid dogs! BruinFan, I do sincerely congratulate you on this bit of Fox good fortune, however. I meant it when I said upthread that your team 100% deserved a 13-14 "bounce" to finally go your way. And the Bruin at UPS last night was clutch. The Loggers wanted it bad, and they are always extra tough at home - well done.

A final note. #1 DePauw was stunned today at Ohio Wesleyan, 65-64, in their league finale. Should the Missionaries be fortunate enough to survive at L&C tonight (and I do think, by the way, that the Pio PA announcer should at least *announce*, and not just ignore, most baskets scored by the visiting team. To me, it crosses the line of poor sportsmanship. Especially for Division III), Whitman should move up to #1 nationally. Sure, that and 2 bucks will buy you a Starbucks, but it would be a nice reward, for both Whitman and the NWC. (And it might help Whitworth's case, too. I LOVE your point about Pool C at-large bids being VERY precious commodities. SO true! But that said, there's a very good chance that not just 3, but *four* NCAA teams will be coming out of the NESCAC. They claim the top four spots in the latest NE regional rankings. Despite the fact that the only 6-4 in the NESCAC Williams team earned just a #6 tourney seed, and got throttled in their playoff QF this afternoon at #3 Bowdoin, to boot! I now think the Ephs (who have some bad losses) should clearly not qualify. But they keep getting major love in the polls, week after week. If all 4 do get in, how can you then deny Whitworth? I watch a ton of both leagues. Their level of play is very similar. The Pirates are also defending NWC tourney champs, and still have their playoffs ahead. We'll see.)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on February 23, 2014, 07:54:21 PM
Lots of great stuff already said so I don't have much to add.  The snow and postponement caused me to miss the L&C @ GFU game, but the outcome was pretty much what we expected anyway.  I did make it to the Whitworth @ L&C game, which as already observed did not have the expected outcome, especially with Wang still in street clothes.  When Whitworth won the tournament last year I thought it was a fluke but they've shown this season that they are indeed a tough and scrappy team, remarkably lacking in height as d3wbbfan observed, but with good skills and athleticism and given that they're mostly the same size they can interchange roles frequently.  E.g. Lahue in theory is their big person, but she put up more 3-pointers than anyone else:  8 of them, and made 4.  Somewhat reminiscent of last year's L&C team, when they went small and would put nobody taller than 5'9" Taylor Wang on the court.

So Whitworth might be one of the few good teams who L&C has a size advantage over.  Usually L&C's big people are either blah or cover-your-eyes-and-hope-for-the-best, but Casey Zinn exploded (by her standards) for a double-double, 11 points and 11 rebounds.  I thought L&C owned the defensive boards for stretches in the game, but looking at the box score I see that the rebounding was pretty even overall so my subjective judgement might be off there.  In contrast to Zinn, Daron Dean looked awful; she'd missed last season with IIRC a leg injury but in games that I saw earlier this season seemed to offer some veteran savvy.  Even in this game she was frequently asked to dribble the ball out of backcourt to break Whitworth's press.  She actually performed that task adequately, but looked bad otherwise and it was no surprise that she played only 9 minutes.

But Whitworth couldn't generate quite enough offense, and perhaps should've adjusted their defense to concentrate more on Katie Anderson. The teams in the NWC usually emphasize team ball but there are several players in the NWC who are capable of carrying a team on their back, and Anderson is one of them.

Well we all knew that the NWC has plenty of tough and dangerous teams, and Whitworth ran into one of the land mines.  I'll try to get out to the Whitworth @ GFU semifinal.  Whitworth would seem to be the underdog -- but they were last year too.  I'm expecting a good game, and a great tournament final.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 28, 2014, 02:58:04 AM
Whitman defeats UPS, 77-60. Typical Missionaries' workman-like effort. (Also great to have an NWC at #1 again!) 30 for Johns. She's been scoring at will, of late. Her PG decision-making this season is 100 times better than last. Not trying to make every other possession a fast break. This has cut both her own turnover rate and the team's total empty trips *way* down. Anderegg and Traver had 12 each, White had 12 rebounds, while Coach Ferenz got her usual solid bench play from Ketner/Maeda/Brewer.

Loggers are gonna be right in it again next year. Their top 4 (Forshay/Ainslie/Agcaolli/Sheldon) are all back, and Loree Payne is right up there with the other 3 playoff coaches. To me, the 4 best NWC coaches made the 13-14 playoffs.....

Whitworth explodes for 50 in the 2nd half, and wins going away in Newberg, 74-55, over George Fox. Very few combined 1st half points. Thought that was trouble for the Bruins. The Pirates have exploded on O in the 2nd half numerous times this season (except for that one, recent upset at L&C.) I've just seen the Bucs score in buckets (pun intended) late too many times, for it not to be who they truly are. It's a big reason why I've been so high on them. I knew Whitworth would play like rabid dogs in this game, after giving away the home-court advantage. Man, they did, and then some! How often has Fox lost by 19 at home in the last 6-7 years? Can't be very many times...

Post game, the Bruin announcers didn't seem to think the team has much chance at all, for an at-large bid. They were thinking Whitworth advancing to the NWC final now gives the Pirates a huge leg up, over their own candidacy. I strongly disagree. I still think George Fox is an NCAA lock. Look at the numbers. A 20-4 DIII record. All 4 losses to the Whits. I just don't see any way Whitworth gets an at-large bid at the Bruins' expense, though. Despite this semifinal loss. Even with the "upset" win tonight, Whitworth's overall DIII record is still just 16-5. NWC teams are aware that playing NAIA teams can hurt their at-large calculations, as they are ignored by the NCAA, win or lose. And remember, the Bruins *did* beat the Pirates in their first NWC meeting. In fact, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if George Fox is still chosen to be one of the 16 host school locations. (To me, the main reason Fox won't be a 13-14 host is simply the added NCAA travel expense of having to ship 6 other teams, all likely from either CA, TX or MN, and getting them to both Walla Walla and Newberg - neither of which is exactly "easy access!" Just getting 3 teams to Walla Walla would surely save the NCAA some money. I just hate that geography comes into play here, however.)

Hey, I'm not gonna make a big deal about the all-NWC teams. They looked pretty solid to me overall. But how on earth does Arnoldy make the 1st team over Benner? I know Fox is a top team, and I guess they "automatically" deserve one player on the 1st team. And I know voters usually like to defer to a hard-working, classy senior, over a sophomore who has two more seasons. But holy smokes, Arnoldy's selection is still a major reach to me. Maybe they just voted for the Bruin player that Coach Meek asked them to. I know Potter's and Maltman's teams weren't big factors, but they're seniors, too. And they're both really good. Whatever....... 

I expect "The Battle Of The Whits, Vol. 3" to be just as tough as the first two games were. I know Coach Higgs will have her group super ready. Even though my #1 Missionaries are in, win or lose, I truly hope they haven't forgotten the sting of last year's home playoff loss to Whitworth. Besides, Whitman, unlike most teams, is *not* the sort of club that would benefit from a pre-NCAA loss. They both love and thrive on pressure. The more of it, the better. It's what makes Whitman unique, and a real threat to advance very deep in the tourney. Yes, they have both skilled players and a terrific coach. If needed, they can score late. Almost on cue, in fact. And they know how to stop the other team late. But above all else, they are experts on WINNING. They've won having a hot start. Or a cold start. Or an OK start. Or with foul trouble. Or with no foul trouble. Or with teams pressing. Or not pressing them. Or if their 3's are falling. Or if they're not falling. Everything that can possibly go wrong in a game for them already has. And they've still won them all. To boot, the team feels like it has unfinished NCAA business from last season. Even more fuel to their fire! The way I see it, all the Missionaries need now is continued health, and a little luck. Crossing my fingers! Good luck to my NWC brethren. Would love to see 3 teams qualify for the big dance again!!!!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 01, 2014, 12:25:58 AM
The Whitworth @ George Fox game was closer and more tense than the score would indicate, it wasn't until about 2/3 of the way through the second half that Whitworth took control, and then was able to pile on points at the end due to GFU having to foul, and then score quickly, leading to the next foul and yet more Whitworth FTs.

Very low scoring first half, GFU especially couldn't buy a basket; they were missing the tough shots but they were also missing the good looks that they got.  Though at a height disadvantage, Whitworth was ferocious on the boards (outrebounding the bigger Bruins by a small margin) and quick and hard-charging on defense.  I don't think GFU lacked effort, but Whitworth was maniacal. 

And in the second half their offense finally started clicking, and they gradually pulled away.  Reminiscent of last season's Lewis & Clark team, they're small but determined and athletic.  I like watching their offense, it's sort of a women's Div III version of the drive-and-kick offense that's becoming popular in men's Div I:  get the ball into the lane (not necessarily with the dribble drive; Whitworth will sometimes work it in with passing), when the help defense comes collapsing in kick the ball back out for either a 3-pointer or a slash to the basket.  It requires very good court vision and decision-making by the balllhandler in the lane and good spacing and positioning by her teammates, but they ran the offense well against GFU and the flow and teamwork are fun to watch, with the players off the ball going to the right spot and the passer knowing that her teammate would be there.

Three teams from the NWC would be great and probably deserved.  I agree that Whitman and GFU are or at least should be locks.  But if Whitworh loses in the NWC final, will they still get a tournament bid?

And I'm expecting them to lose to Whitman.  But I didn't expect them to win Thurs night, and I didn't expect them to win last year, and well we've seen how those games turned out.  Whitman and GFU are powerfully good teams.  And somehow Whitworth manages to play as if they belong up there with them ... and maybe they do.

It was a heck of a regular season in the NWC.  Here's hoping the NCAA tournament is as exciting and rewarding for the NWC teams.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: dahlby on March 02, 2014, 01:33:00 AM
The NWC definitely deserves 3 bids. Whitworth's win means that Chapman probably won't receive a pool C bid. A few upsets in the MW doesn't help Chapman's case either.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 02, 2014, 01:34:11 AM
I'm hoping I can *finally* now get my long-hesitant friend mkt on the Whitworth bandwagon!

Because, for the 2nd straight year, the Pirates have managed to win 2 tough road games in 3 nights, have garnered the NWC's automatic NCAA bid, and cut down the nets in somebody else's gym. 68-65 Whitworth the final, temporarily de-railing the #1 Missionaries' 2013-14 winning ways.

It was a great game. Pretty much dead even for the whole 40 minutes. The weirdest thing? Whitman played one of their very best overall games this season, in defeat. Anderegg was a beast. 23 pts, in a season-high 38 minutes. Johns & Traver 15 each. Whitman led at the half, 26-23. White was in foul trouble all game, but stuff like that's gonna happen.

Not too many runs, but with it 31-25 Missionaries with 17:38 to go, Helen Higgs got a boost from her 2nd half spark, Katara Belton-Sharp, who hit 2 3's, in just 1:02. Each team also added a 2, so it's 33-all, with 14:59 left. A Traver 3 makes it 40-37 Whitman, at 13:14. But the Bucs then post a key 9-0 run, highlighted by a Kendra Knutsen 3, and it's suddenly 46-40 Whitworth. Whitman then gets 5 right back, to be back within 1. Then KC McConnell (who had her 2nd straight big game), scores 2 quick hoops. 50-45 visitors.

The lead stayed at around 4, until the biggest shot of the game. A dagger 3 by Kayla Johnson, with 1:37 to go, to extend the lead briefly to 7, 61-54. Some quick Anderegg points got it back to between 3 and 4, with still over 1:00 left.

A season-long Whitman bugaboo is that they are a below-average FT shooting team. Hey, nobody's perfect. But 3 key misses, by usual bench stalwarts Maeda and Ketner, during that key 0-9 run, hurt the hosts. But, on the evening, Whitman was a very respectable (for them) 20-27 at the line.

Whitworth has got to lead the league in FT %. And as mkt pointed out in his George Fox report, Whitworth made every late 2nd FT on Thursday. Well, guess what. After Lahue missed one with 10:44 to go, the Pirates made their last SEVENTEEN in a row (until a miss with less than :02 to go, likely done on purpose, leaving no-TO's-left Whitman with just a no-chance, full-court heave.) During that exact same stretch, Whitman shot 13-18. I'm sure Coach Ferenz would take that FT % every game. But 17-17 is 4 points more than 13-18 is, and in the end, that one stat proved to be the difference in the 3-point Whitworth victory. McConnell had 18, Kayla Johnson 16, and Belton-Sharp 10. The Pirates deserved it. And Whitman was not looking ahead to the NCAA's. To their credit, they were fully engaged, gave it everything they had, and played their usual great game. Over the years, I've seen a lot of teams with both an NCAA bid and host site already locked up, who would've given far less. As a result, I'm quite proud of the overall Whitman Saturday effort. They've won 15+ games this season, not playing nearly as well as they did tonight. Whitworth just played 1% better than them tonight. It happens. Overall, it was a *great* example of NWC WBB at its very best. And that's good for all of us. Right, BruinFan?

As a Whitman fan, it could surely be far worse. At least a loss now doesn't end their season. And as mkt said before, the NWC is extremely tough. There was no shame in losing this game. A very high level of play throughout, between two top D3 teams.

I'm fully expecting George Fox to receive their Monday invite. So good luck to all 3 NWC powers, as their NCAA journeys begin. Let's again show the right of the country how good this league is!    :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 02, 2014, 06:25:13 PM
I do think George Fox will be selected to join Whitworth and Whitman in the tournament. I expect that two of the three NWC teams will be in the same pod and have to play each other in round 2.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 02, 2014, 10:04:48 PM
Just like last year, when host L&C had Whitman in their pod, while Whitworth got shipped out to Atlanta.

I just heard a live Helen Higgs interview on D3 Hoopsville. She said that while it was a long flight to go play at Emory last March, overall, they enjoyed it, despite the loss. She said otherwise, it would've felt just like a repeat of the NWC tourney they just played in. (Even though her team won it.) Both a valid and interesting point. The host said to Higgs that her team's resume is almost identical to what it was at this point last season.

Question for BruinFan. If you could choose, would you want the Bruins to be shipped out, or make another trek up to Walla Walla? Logic dictates your team would stay closer, and the AQ Pirates will be getting still more frequent-flyer miles. And one more. What option do you think Coach Meek would opt for? I realize he has no say - but I'm curious as to your take - on his take.

Crossing my fingers for you at the 2:30ET Monday NCAA DIII WBB bracket reveal. I'm real confident Fox is in. But, as you stated earlier, in Pool C, it's never certain until you actually see your team's name up on the board!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 03, 2014, 12:25:10 PM
Having witnessed first hand all of the games between GF and the Whits this season, I would guess that Meek has seen enough of the scrappy, sharp shooting women from Eastern WA. and would no doubt prefer to see someone else if they get an invite. He would, in my opinion choose to be shipped out. Unfortunately,  I agree as previously noted that they will more than likely have to at least see one of them one more time if they want to get out of the first/second round.

I think a bigger issue Meek and his team needs to overcome is a lack of confidence, to perform in the last 10 minutes, in a close game and finish strong. As previous Bruins teams have.  All of GF's losses this year, ( Whits) they have been in it but have lost the discipline required to stay in the game. Whether it be poor decisions/defense sending GF players to the bench with foul trouble and the Whits to the line (not a good game plan against either of those teams) or not changing out some of his players that appear to me to have turnover issues when in the pressure cooker. He has the bench to do it.

If they are gifted with an invite. Regroup, Re-focus,  and go out and have some fun!

 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: (509)Rat on March 03, 2014, 02:43:29 PM
Women's committee put together a terrible bracket

Whitman hosts

Whitman v Chapman
GF v Whitworth

So we get to see a repeat of the NWC tournament...awesome.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 03, 2014, 02:48:53 PM
No Doubt, I'm sure GF is happy to be in, but not so to face the Whits yet again!

Congrats to all NWC teams! To bad only one has the opportunity to move on past the second round.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on March 03, 2014, 04:16:52 PM
Quote from: (509)Rat on March 03, 2014, 02:43:29 PM
Women's committee put together a terrible bracket

Whitman hosts

Whitman v Chapman
GF v Whitworth

So we get to see a repeat of the NWC tournament...awesome.

This may stink but is this really that surprising they skimped on the playoff flight dollars?  I do like the NCAA better than the old NAIA days but the NWC getting hosed in multiple sports come playoff time (in terms of NWC rematches) has now become a time-honored tradition.


Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: (509)Rat on March 03, 2014, 06:25:19 PM
Quote from: wildcat11 on March 03, 2014, 04:16:52 PM
Quote from: (509)Rat on March 03, 2014, 02:43:29 PM
Women's committee put together a terrible bracket

Whitman hosts

Whitman v Chapman
GF v Whitworth

So we get to see a repeat of the NWC tournament...awesome.

This may stink but is this really that surprising they skimped on the playoff flight dollars?  I do like the NCAA better than the old NAIA days but the NWC getting hosed in multiple sports come playoff time (in terms of NWC rematches) has now become a time-honored tradition.

They had the $ though. Paid for other flights they didn't need to. But you're right, everyone should be used to this by now.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 03, 2014, 08:13:32 PM
The good news? All 3 NWC powers got in. The bad news? Basically, an NWC tournament redux (swapping out UPS for Chapman). Congrats to BruinFan, for the deserved at-large bid. Dave McHugh of D3/Hoopsville recently interviewed the NCAA nat'l committee head. McHugh asked him specifically about why the 3 NWC teams were kept together. He said something absolutely fascinating. He implied that the committee was *very* fearful that multiple NWC teams would advance to the Sweet 16, from different pods. And that would likely result in the NCAA having to fly out two NWC teams, instead of just one (which this pod guarantees), to a distant second-weekend site. (I guess that means that no matter who advances out of Walla Walla, they won't be hosting, even if it's Whitman, because they won't fly 3 other teams out. For reference, only 3 total flights are happening, the entire first weekend.)

Wildcat11 is a million % right. The always-huge DIII limit-air-travel-at-all-costs issue has been further ratcheted up at NCAA HQ, in just the past year, now to a near-fever pitch. Everyone, at every level of the process, knows that 3 NWC teams in the same pod is both extremely unfair and undesirable. In fact, I don't think any of the other 15 4-team pods have even *two* conference members in together, much less three. But the national committee is 100% hamstrung, The NCAA constitution says they can only spend something like 3.4% of their total budget on DIII. The only way that DIII can get any % increase now, is if a majority of the DI & DII schools voted yes to a change. And the chances of that happening? Negative infinity.   

Coach Higgs Tweeted today that it is truly a shame that only one NWC team can now advance to the Sweet 16. To her credit, she's not just being subjective. She's 100% right. But based on the comment by the Committee chair, that was basically their entire point. To quickly eliminate as many distant, plane-requiring NWC teams as possible.

This situation keeps happening to the NWC. And it will keep happening, for one other major reason. Nationally, the NAIA bears little resemblance to what it looked like 20 years ago. For example, there isn't a *single* NAIA league left in New England. 8 DIII leagues got automatic bids today. It used to be a 4-4 NCAA/NAIA league split, I believe. The NAIA survives today due to some geographic pockets of remaining strength. From loyal, longtime members, mostly from St. Louis and west. And while I will always have a soft spot for the NAIA, the fact that the NAIA DII Cascade Conference and the NAIA DI Frontier Conference remain in existence has hurt the NWC terribly, as NCAA DIII members. As does, to a lesser degree, the NAIA DII Calif. Pacific Conf, and NAIA DI Golden State Conf. I know that NAIA DI conferences give out athletic aid, and those schools likely want to maintain that setup, precluding a possible future move to NCAA DIII. But the NAIA DII doesn't give athletic aid. Even getting just the Cascade and the Calif. Pacific leagues into our region of NCAA DIII would help out the NWC a ton.

A further hit that the NWC takes from this is when they play any NAIA team in pre-season, the game results are not counted by the NCAA, win or lose. NCAA DIII win pct IS a criteria used by the committee. Whitman didn't need it this year, but their 13-14 win over Eastern Oregon counted for nothing. There's just NO good reason that Whitman should pay a "penalty", for playing a nearby, respected NAIA team. The two schools are similar is many ways, recruit many of the same kids, and are similar in talent. On the one hand, the NCAA refuses to spend $ on D3. But when Whitman attempts to do the exact same thing: play quality teams, of similar athletic/academic philosophy, who are as geographically close to them as possible, instead of traveling to CA, MN or TX to find/play other DIII teams, they are harmed, in regard to their at-large profiles. There is *no* NCAA concession made for the NWC, as to geography. (Obviously, these exact same issues affect each and every NWC team.) Yet the NCAA expects our league's teams to then "understand", when these exact same travel issues/expenses negatively impact both the NWC's profile and participation in NCAA championships. To me, that is just wrong, on several levels. And it has manifested itself, yet again, with today's bracket. When a process is in place that is patently unfair, a high-ranking NCAA official gets asked about it and says, "Nobody's happy about it. But it is what it is." And is still allowed to continue, year after year, it doesn't speak very well of an organization that is aways tripping over itself, and thumping its chest about how painfully fair and equitable it always is.

Well NWC, lets try and make some chicken salad this weekend, out of these chicken droppings....
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on March 04, 2014, 12:06:20 PM
d3wbbfan,

That was a great post/read.  +1 to you.  It's funny that when I talk to some of the local DII/NAIA folks they are quick to remind me that it was the NWC presidents back in 90's that decided to dump the State/Directional Schools and run for the NCAA logo.  They're correct the move killed a massively robust and at one time thriving NAIA culture in the PacNW.  I don't blame the NWC presidents because the gap between some of the privates and state schools was ever widening.  The privates with stronger athletic departments were left with a tough choice but in the end I feel like they made the correct one.

Since that time there have been a few PacNW NAIA schools that looked into going DIII (Eastern Oregon and College of Idaho) but the NWC presidents told them they would not be welcomed into the NWC. 

Bottom line, you're 100% right that playoff situation isn't changing.  As long as the NWC gets multiple teams into any playoff situation you can expect rematch situations.  It's our life/reality out in the far west.  If they do split up the NWC teams (it has happened once or twice) I would consider that a major gift.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 04, 2014, 12:41:54 PM
Quote from: (509)Rat on March 03, 2014, 06:25:19 PM
Quote from: wildcat11 on March 03, 2014, 04:16:52 PM
Quote from: (509)Rat on March 03, 2014, 02:43:29 PM
Women's committee put together a terrible bracket

Whitman hosts

Whitman v Chapman
GF v Whitworth

So we get to see a repeat of the NWC tournament...awesome.

This may stink but is this really that surprising they skimped on the playoff flight dollars?  I do like the NCAA better than the old NAIA days but the NWC getting hosed in multiple sports come playoff time (in terms of NWC rematches) has now become a time-honored tradition.

They had the $ though. Paid for other flights they didn't need to. But you're right, everyone should be used to this by now.

For what it's worth, I don't think that's true. Put together a bracket that has fewer flights than one it would take to both fly a NWC out of that pod and fly another team in.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 05, 2014, 09:21:26 PM
It is what it is. Let's play ball and support the last one standing after this weekend to represent. Wouldn't it be something if it were Chapman ! :o
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 07, 2014, 05:24:07 PM
Quote from: Manny24 on March 05, 2014, 09:21:26 PM
It is what it is. Let's play ball and support the last one standing after this weekend to represent. Wouldn't it be something if it were Chapman ! :o

With Whitman being several hours away, I'll try to watch what I can over the video feeds.

Prior to moving to Portland, I lived in southern Calif for many years, and Chapman has an interesting program in its own right.  They've been a fairly frequent NCAA qualifier, and recently went from being independent to joining SCIAC where their women's team has continued to do well.  Their coach is Asian American, so it may not be a coincidence that their rosters have large numbers of Asian American players, usually including three starters.  Caltech's the only team that I've seen that has even more Asian players -- but Chapman manages to actually win games.

Chapman often advances out of the early rounds of the NCAA tournament by beating its So Calif competition, but then typically runs into a buzzsaw by getting sent to face a team from the Northwest.  SCIAC doesn't have a single team in the D3Hoops Top 25, so that pretty much tells you what you need to know about the power balance between them and the NWC.

Still SCIAC is an interesting conference.  In addition to Chapman, it's got Caltech which pretty much defines the collegiate extreme in terms of student-athletes who excel at the student part and not at the athlete part.  And Pomona-Pitzer (many of the Claremont Colleges are so small that they combine to form athletic teams) used to have a men's coach who's become quite well-known:  Gregg Popovich.  And SCIAC colleges have produced more future presidents of the US than many sets of conferences combined:  Barack Obama and Richard Nixon attended Occidental and Whittier colleges respectively.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 07, 2014, 10:07:44 PM
Whitworth beats George Fox, 71-51, in the NCAA first round in Walla Walla. Kayla Johnson had 27 for the Bucs. Cusick 13, Roos 12 for the Bruins. It's a shame these teams had to play again, for the third time in 2 1/2 weeks. Tonight game's was practically a carbon copy of their NWC semi-final. Whitworth leading by between 4 and 8, and then used a combo of clutch late hoops and made FTs to pull away at the end.

My congrats to George Fox, on a great season. I'm a huge fan of both Benner and Blizzard. Would *love* them on my team. And they both have two more years. I know Peacock will come back better, too, and Roos returns to supply her usual savvy and sharpshooting. Coach Meek did the very best he could here, and is to be congratulated. I know the NWC is always good. But this season, NO other league had their supposed 3rd best team be as strong as this league has! Whitworth fully deserves their #24 nat'l ranking. And should Whitman get past Chapman next, it's gonna be another "world war" between those two in their NCAA 2nd round game.....

To prove my NWC point, even the perennial powerhouse NESCAC has already had two teams of their four teams go down (each in a different pod, of course) in the first round tonight. Williams (to Vassar; neutral floor), and Bowdoin (selected to host their pod, even as the #3 best team in their league.) Bowdoin just lost to a school that had *never* before won an NCAA tourney game (Castleton St.) in ANY sport!!!!!

SOS, schmess-oh-sssss........

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 08, 2014, 04:15:44 AM
Whitman over Chapman, 106-51. I don't exactly know what Coach Ferenz feeds Sarah Anderegg for her pre-game meal before NCAA games, either last year or this year. And don't get me wrong, Sarah has been a solid 1st-team all-NWC player all season. But there is both an iron will and a quantum-level of elevation added to every part of Anderegg's game, whenever she sees that an NCAA logo has been affixed to the side of a gym's wall. This alone should be a huge concern for her next opponent(s).

In recent Missionary games, I had begun to notice that Whitman was depending more and more on Johns' offense, to get them out of some tight, late game spots. She's awfully crafty, knifing down low. Now I didn't think so before, but perhaps being undefeated for 26 games WAS starting to weigh on them. But there is no denying that their overall team psyche is in a much better place than it was just a weekend ago. And while I know that Chapman wasn't exactly a Final Four contender, they're a solid, if quite undersized, very well-coached team. The SCIAC is improving, and I enjoyed watching both them and C-M-S go at it this year...

Whether the events of the past week (not to mention Whitman dropping all the way to #7 this week, from #1, in the Top 25 poll - Whitman has had their doubters among the voting panel all season, not that a # matters) will help them prevail in the "2013-14 Battle Of The Whits, Part 4: The Finale" or not remains to be seen. I consider this game a *huge* Whitman hurdle. More so than either of their next two possible games, strange as that may sound. Helen Higgs is one very good game coach. And a class act. Her and Ferenz are also longtime personal friends. Whitworth has multiple, subtle tricks up their sleeve on D, that feed their constant craving to create turnovers, that I haven't seen ONE other team be able to pull off as consistently this year. Vs them, a guard with the ball can't relax. Even for one instant. They're like the gelatinous tongue of a frog, snaring a nearby bug for lunch - except the ball is the bug! The Pirates are grossly under-respected. The saddest part? The NCAA has denied other areas of the country the chance to see this Whitworth "pack of rabid dogs" play D in person. Ask George Fox. Coach Michael Meek will be having frequent nightmares about Whitworth, all off season. Oh, we get it. No excess plane rides. Not to worry. We've all moved on. Forgive, but don't forget. The NWC is a 100% united front on this. Whoever does advance from the NWC will have a MAJOR chip on its shoulder. And is extremely capable. That fact should be lost on NO one matched up with them.

Just know Whitman is a FAR, FAR, FAR better team than they were a year ago. (And they were plenty good last year!) Does anyone outside the NWC truly grasp how incredibly DIFFICULT it was for Whitworth to beat the Missionaries, at home, and manage to win the NWC tourney title again? Extremely hard!!!! Whitman played great in defeat! Whitworth only won again because they are also a FAR, FAR, FAR better team this year, than the one that got edged out at Emory in last year's NCAAs. My sadness is mostly for loyal DIII WBB fans, who love to see a TRULY high level of play. It is honestly a much more rare occurrence than I wish it were.

I heard D3's Pat Coleman say last Sunday night that he's both a #1 voter for, and far more of a believer in the Sydney Moss/Thomas More club than he is Whitman's. I am gonna write off the normally-quite-lucid Coleman's clear error in judgement here as being either the result of him being badly sleep-deprived this late in the campaign, or that he's been watching too many men's DIII tilts, and too few women's games, forcing him to simply draw straws for his #1 pick!  :)   I also just read Gordon Mann's predictions on this site. He also expects the Missionaries to fizzle out before the Final Four. But I begrudge Gordon far more than I do Pat, because I know he knows the NWC well, should realize how much the Whitman Elite Eight run last year taught them, and has fueled them this season. But, alas, Gordon has also seemingly fallen prey to the "Randy Moss' daughter is in DIII, so this year's Saints' group is finally gonna go far" Kool-Aid. I get it. Her story has created interest, buzz, and a rare DIII journalistic narrative. I think Gordon's pre-FF ousting of Whitman is mostly just his "inner scribe" talking.  :)    But personally, I'm sure as heck not feeling a redux of "Danny And The Miracles" happening, for the team out of the Cincy suburbs.

I live in CT. I have no ties to Whitman, other than a deep admiration for who they are, how they play, and how well they are coached. I can stream *any* team's games. (What a country!!!!) But I choose to go 3000 miles away for my webstream, and watch Whitman WBB. The last 8 minutes of Whitman's 13-14 season opener, vs. St. Thomas (MN) in Spokane, may have been the highest quality segment of WBB I've ever seen in my life. (And I've been watching Geno's fine teams play since Kerry Bascom.) I have seen *every* top 13-14 DIII WBB team play. On multiple occasions. Usually against their top rivals. Including Thomas More. 4 times. Heck, I'm just a schmuck DIII WBB fan with an opinion. Which is worth about 1/1000th of one cent, right? But I'd pick Whitman to beat Thomas More by double digits, even if the game was being played in Randy Moss' living room! And with Randy himself being one of the refs! (Well, maybe I won't go quite THAT far - it's hard enough winning games on the road!) Why? Because I can use what the NCAA can't. The eye test. I only hope my vision is still 20/20!

Thanks for reading. In the words of my favorite Beatle (Ringo), "Peace and love to everyone!!!!!!"
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 08, 2014, 04:50:11 AM
A quick PS: I just read in the Bruins' game recap that the George Fox-Whitworth matchup was the first time in over a DECADE that two conference opponents were matched up in the very first round. The word "inexplicable" was used in the piece. And 1000% correctly. I know it was a bad situation for the NWC. But I didn't know it was THAT bad. Wow! The selection committee and the rest of the country only *thinks* they know how irate the entire NWC is, that all three of their NCAA teams were placed in the same 4-team pod. And yeah, they've all received the "official explanation". But I promise you. NO ONE outside this conference has even a CLUE, as to level of outright rage that remains. It's unspoken. But on the "down low", the remaining chip on these team's shoulders about this NWC bracket injustice is still the size of an asteroid......
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 7express on March 09, 2014, 03:26:18 AM
So, what do you think the odds are of Whitman getting the sectionals??  Whit got a huge break with Christopher Newport winning @ Ferrum, and Texas-Tyler winning @ Rhodes, because both Ferrum AND Rhodes checked in at under 500 miles to Thomas More, and now neither Newport nor Tyler check in at under 500.  None of the 4 teams in this half are within 500 miles of each other, so no matter where the site is, the NCAA will have to fly all 3 teams there.  Since Whitman probably has the best numbers (they were #1 in the West while TM was #3 in the Great Lakes), and the West constantly gets screwed in the tournament out there alone on the island, now that a west coast team finally caught a break, hopefully the NCAA rewards them.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 09, 2014, 04:35:20 AM
**7express, I read your post just before I submitted my post-game. You clearly understand your NCAA mileages very well. (500). But I still think Whitman has NO chance to host the Sweet 16. For one reason: because all flights are not equally expensive. Out to Whitman is a very long flight. Christopher Newport is an annual WBB power. But they aren't considered to be a top contender this year. Their win over Ferrum was an upset on paper, but I watched some of it - the better team clearly won. I think they'll send Whitman out to Newport News, VA. A Whitman-Thomas More (with Randy Moss' daughter/Florida transfer Sydney on it) Elite 8 matchup is very possible. The NCAA likely would want that to happen at a "neutral site." Because if the NCAA tries to play the second weekend's games at Thomas More (currently #1 in DIII), after this weekend's pod fiasco in Walla Walla, the NWC would likely secede en masse from the NCAA!***** 

Sat., Whitman managed to defeat Whitworth, 73-67, in their NCAA second round game at Sherwood Center. The final, knock-down, drag-out matchup of NWC WBB foes this season. As a big Missionaries fan, all I can is that is "Man, was that ever difficult!!!!" I am drained. I can only imagine how the players are feeling, physically and emotionally, post-game.

Whitman jumped out to an early 10-ish point lead. Despite the fact that both starting posts (Anderegg and White) were whistled for 2 fouls each, by the first, under-16 media TO. Whitworth's own foul-a-rama plight was so similarly desperate, that they had to play deep sub Alexis McLeod almost half the total game minutes, even though I don't remember seeing her get in before, for even one second, in any of our other 3 games! (More on that later.) A Traver 3 at the halftime buzzer made at 38-25 Missionaries. But I know Whitworth all too well by now. So it looked like a tie score to me. They don't "kick in" until the second half. And I was right to feel that way. Heather Johns soon pushed the lead out to 18, 43-25, at 19:12. A Meghan White hoop made it 50-38 Whitman, at 15:27. And then. Here it comes. I know it's coming. Michael Meek knew it was coming. Coach Ferenz knows it's coming. Whitwoth coach Helen Higgs throws her pack of rabid dogs their ration of "2nd-half D, red meat." OK, Whitman. Just try to score now! Well - we can't. Especially with several starters stuck on the bench in foul trouble. The Pirates are now on Whitman like white on rice. Their own foul trouble doesn't derail this kamikaze effort. Because there's NO ONE that can't play stellar D on Whitworth's team. It's a basic roster requirement for Higgs.

With 9:00 left, Whitman is STILL stuck on 50 points. The same # we've been on since 15:27. When our other post in foul trouble had scored. Before sitting again. Left with no choice, Ferenz HAS to insert her foul-saddled best. Anderegg. Even though it's still too early to. It's now 50-46. Yes, it's been an 8-0 Bucs run. But Whitman's team D ain't no slouch, either. And surrendering just one point a minute is great team D. Upon returning, Sarah immediately scores. 52-46, at 8:50.

Whitworth SR Kayla Johnson is one HECK of a basketball player. A cold-blooded, 3-pt assassin. In the best possible way. Higgs is gonna miss her next year - big time. Every time Whitman got the lead back to 7 or 9? Splash! Another instant 3-ball answer from Johnson. While Jessica Kramer (another nice spare part, also called to major action, due to fouls) added 11 big points and 6 boards. As well as the Pirates being their usual 80% selves at the FT line (20-25). The fact the Whitman STILL managed to win this game, given how it played out, seems unlikely. But it did, mainly because, unlike the NWC championship game, Whitman basically matched Whitworth's FT %. (17-22). That's GOT to be a season-best for Whitman.

Traver and Johns were both forced to go the full 40 tonight. Tiffani led the way for Whitman with 17, with 3 3's. Johns had 15, even though Whitworth made it uber-hard for her, going 5-21 FGs. But she made 2 key FTs, with under :30 to go, to push the Whitman lead back up to 4. Anderegg was superb again. 15 points, in just 20 total minutes. I'd never seen Sarah foul out of a game before. EVER. Until tonight. Because, of course, she suddenly forgot everything she'd ever been taught about playing good D, against a team with NO center, and that she knows like the back of her hand already, according to tonight's hapless zebras.   

Even scrappy 5th starter Hailey MacDonald was big tonight. Our best defender. 26 mins. 6 points. But the just-55% FT shooter hit 4-5 tonight. And 5'10" SO F Hailey Ann Maeda was an absolute superstar. In a season-high 23 minutes, she had 7 points, and 11 rebounds. And the just-44% FT shooter hit 3-3 late - VERY clutch. And without those two making 8-9 FTs for Whitman tonight, it would be Whitworth playing Christopher Newport in the Sweet 16 next weekend. Because that's exactly how Whitworth beat Whitman last weekend. 4 more FTs made, in a dead-even game. But not tonight. So the Missionaries will now take on the Captains.

I glimpsed at least 8 different 2nd-round games today. They all had one wonderful thing in common. Something often seen in March. Far fewer whistles, and much more of a "let them play" mentality. I SO welcome that. That normally doesn't happen without some sort of directive from above., My compliments. I do think the new hand-check rule has done exactly what it set out to do. That said, I FIRMLY believe that 40 of all total DIII WBB referee whistles, as to fouls/turnovers, should be no-calls. In every single game. Come on stripes, swallow the pea!!! I am privileged to call a former DI men's FF official/supervisor of officials a friend. A true gentlemen. He's been through it, and he's seen everything. His rule of thumb (and mine): the less a referee blows his whistle, the better official he is. And the more quickly he/she usually gets promoted. "Letter Of The Law" and "Spirit Of The Law" is not a concept every official can grasp. So many blow so often, they think they're paid on commission - X amount per whistle! 

Sadly for me, as both a Whitman and a DIII WBB partisan, Walla Walla was the *one* 2nd-round game I saw on Sat., where most of the best players, on both teams, were forced to sit for long stretches, and not able to fight for their NCAA lives. Not due to being hackers. Or being dirty players. There was ZERO chance this game was "getting out of control". ZERO!!!!! Even against each other's top rival. Both Whit schools are total class. The refs totally insinuated themselves into this contest. For no reason at all, except hideous judgement. Did those who attended, and watched tonight's game on-line, do it to see them? They seemed to think so. This was only THE biggest WBB game in both schools history!!!!!!!!!!!   

All DIII teams have *far* less top players than the scholarship divisions do. So would you *please* allow us fans to watch the best players that we do have actually PLAY! Both ours AND our opponents. What a concept! 22 fouls called on Whitman tonight. 20 on Whitworth. Helen Higgs should sell a video on how to play team defense, for goodness sakes! The players on both these teams played hard. But clean. And with much skill. Both are extremely well coached. Overall, and on defense. Tonight's officials flat out embarrassed themselves. And I say this, even though my team came out victorious tonight.   

I RARELY ever go here. The topic of referees. The truth? I've found that the vast majority of referees that I've had the pleasure to share a venue with to be very good people. Smart. A sense of humor. They keep it in perspective. And they take their work very seriously. But coaches? Asst coaches? Yeah, they also take their work seriously - to put it mildly. But a sense of humor? Perspective? Not so much. I found I always had more in common with the refs!!! I knew it, and they knew it. In fact, I once had a retiring referee pull a new whistle out of his pocket and give it to me, during his last game against my team. (His first name was Ken.) He said he always appreciated the fact that I'd treated him with respect. Win or lose. Agree or disagree. He said to me that he'd always enjoyed doing our games the most. I still have that whistle. It's actually a prized possession of mine. So when I note my displeasure about the referee-ing during "Whits, Part 4", I do it with that very same respect. (Luckily, it's unlikely they'll be doing any Sweet 16 games. Because it'll take a plane ride to get them there!!!!!!!!!!)   :) 

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 09, 2014, 02:05:22 PM
I'm very surprised that Whitman is hosting, but good for them. Nice to see the NWC get the opportunity, despite the cost.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 09, 2014, 03:07:24 PM
In reality... it was an additional flight - just one flight - which equals the number of flights the men have. I suspect the NCAA wasn't going to fight an extra flight to take everything to Whitman thanks also to the fact the conference was just a little angry about the first weekend :).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 11, 2014, 03:02:16 AM
Thanks for the write-up of the final epic battle of the Whits, I had a schedule conflict and couldn't catch the game.  Did catch the second half of Whitworth vs Geo Fox and watched some of Whitman vs Chapman until it became clear there wasn't any real point.

Good news that Whitman gets to keep on hosting!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 12, 2014, 12:59:19 AM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 09, 2014, 03:07:24 PM
In reality... it was an additional flight - just one flight - which equals the number of flights the men have. I suspect the NCAA wasn't going to fight an extra flight to take everything to Whitman thanks also to the fact the conference was just a little angry about the first weekend :).

It's not an additional flight at all. It's the fact that three are charter flights (expensive, by definition) as opposed to two schools being able to fly commercial to Cincinnati to play at Thomas More.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 15, 2014, 01:24:29 AM
Whitman defeated Christopher Newport tonight, 87-70, at a packed Sherwood Center in Walla Walla, WA. This one was decided fairly early, as the Missionaries led 22-10 with 11:44 to go in the half, 33-14 with 2:29 to go, and by 20, 47-27 at halftime. The lead fluctuated between 18 and 25 for the entire 2nd half, before Whitman settled for the final, 17-point margin of victory.

Whitman's two best players all season, JR Heather Johns and SR Sarah Anderegg, led the initial charge, scoring the team's first 18 points between them. 13 of them were by Johns, who turned an early 8-6 deficit into the Whit's first double-digit lead, by leading an early 16-2 Whitman run. But the NWC's player-of-the-year was just getting started. She later made it 40-19 for her team with a layup, with still 5:00 to go before the break, and finished with 21 for the first half, and an even 30 for the game. The Captains had to score 6 points in the half's last 50 seconds, just to narrow their deficit to 20 at the intermission. Anderegg wasn't far behind Johns' early production, tallying 13 of her own in the opening stanza, before ending with 15.

Coach Ferenz substituted liberally in the second half, content to maintain her team's working margin, likely trying to save her team's legs as much as possible for Saturday's Elite Eight matchup with Thomas More, from Crestview Hills, KY (a Cincinnati, OH suburb), who defeated Texas-Tyler 73-61 in Friday's first game. Leading the Saints, who are currently 31-0 and ranked #1 in DIII, is 5'10" SO Sydney Moss, a DI transfer from Florida of the SEC, daughter of former NFL star Randy Moss, a national DIII player-of-the-year candidate, and who leads the nation in scoring, at 28.5 ppg. She scored 26 in her team's Friday win, while 5'10" JR F Jenny Burgoyne scored 20, slightly exceeding her 17.5 ppg season average.

SR Tiffani Traver added 12 for Whitman, including two 3's, while SR Meghan White added 8 points and 12 rebounds. The Missionaries shot 53% from the floor (36-68), 5-11 from bonus range and 10-13 at the FT line. Christopher Newport shot 0-9 from 3, and despite shooting more than twice as many FTs as Whitman, barely squeaked over the 50% mark, at just 14-27. Whitman also dominated the glass, out-rebounding CNU 51-28.

JR C Camry Green led CNU with 21 points, SO 6th-man Brandi Holland had 17, while seniors Tia Perry and Nicole Mitchell added 13 and 11 respectively, in their final game for the Captains, who finish at 24-6.

This is the second straight season that the Missionaries have advanced to the Elite Eight. The winner of the Whitman-Thomas More game Saturday night will then advance to their first-ever trip to the DIII WBB Final Four, played next weekend in Stevens Point, WI.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 15, 2014, 04:13:07 AM
Thanks for the game reports, again I wasn't able to watch the video.  Go Missionaries, and go NWC!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 15, 2014, 05:44:07 AM
I always enjoy going back and reviewing the NCAA's selection criteria - especially the piece they consider to be so very important - Strength Of Schedule. Sure, you've gotta have the great W-L record, too, and you have to beat some of those other good teams.

This year, the WBB Elite Eight comes from 8 different conferences. I saw parts of all of the eight survivors' games Friday, on-line. I think they are all very fine basketball teams, and are totally deserving of their success to date.

I thought it might be fun to post the SOS of the 8 remaining teams. I have no agenda here. Let's just see if it provides us with any sort of a "tell". Personally, I don't think so. But that's just me. The fact that all four host teams won on Friday must also be considered, as to who will win Saturday. Because sleeping in your own bed, shooting at your home rims and being supported by friendly fans usually helps! Feel free to draw any conclusions you like.

Ithaca (Empire 8) - #8 at Tufts (NESCAC) - #4 - the two highest remaining SOS teams in the field face off against each other. Does that make the Saturday winner the Final Four favorite? Both are established, top programs, featuring a veteran 13-14 club, who are looking to finally reach their first Final Four. With Tufts' top outside shooter lost to an ankle injury last weekend (Hannah Foley), skilled 6'2" frosh post Michela North may be teamed up even more than usual with the Jumbos' 6'2" starting center, Hayley Kanner, to offset the likely loss of perimeter production with a bigger lineup. While the Bombers 5'10" SR Mary Kate Tierney is somehow 1/3 of a PG, 1/3 of a small forward, and 1/3 of an undersized center - all at the same time. And it works like a charm for Ithaca.

UW-Whitewater (WIAC) - #20 at DePauw (NCAC) - #71 - the defending champs paid this same "SOS disadvantage" no mind at all last year. Will they do the same this year? Three major pieces did return (Trees, Ross, Stephens). As for the Warhawks, this Elite Eight matchup is a rematch of last year's title game, in which DePauw prevailed by 18. Graduation and injuries mean that just two 12-13 Whitewater starters will start Saturday, but seniors Mary Merg and Kaitlyn Thill are their top two scorers, while three other role players have slid into major 13-14 minutes as seniors, with each averaging at least 9 ppg. Grudge matches are always hard to predict! Whitewater also has the added caveat of knowing that, should they beat DePauw, the 2014 Final Four is in Stevens Point, WI. Which is just a little more than two hours away from their campus. Can you say, "Quasi-home court advantage?" 

Montclair St. (NJAC) - #58 at FDU-Florham (MAC/Freedom) - #199 - aka, "The New Jersey DIII WBB championship". The Red Hawks want to return the favor this year. They got exactly this far last year, still undefeated, and were then knocked out. The Devils are still undefeated. Can Montclair St. knock out Florham, and end their perfect season? This veteran Red Hawks group are far more NCAA tourney tested, but the Devils are at home, and have been playing as if they have a major chip on their collective shoulder, for either their early NCAA exit last year, their conference not getting much respect, or both!

Thomas More (PAC) - #287 at Whitman (NWC) - #24 - I was SO impressed watching Sydney Moss play Friday. She combines 28.5 ppg with smart, totally unselfish play. And her top "sidekick", Jenny Burgoyne is the perfect compliment to her. But the NWC was such a great league this year. To me, going 29-1 through that conference was quite an achievement. Besides, Johns and Anderegg are truly a tandem to reckon with, in their own right. But all a team can do is win every game. And the Saints have. If each team's two star players basically "cancel each other out", could it come down the "complimentary players?"

Finally, I have seen all these teams play on-line *multiple* times this year. As I said, all 8 are playing well. But I would say five of them are playing their very best ball of the season right now. While the other three have mostly been their usual, regular season, workmanlike selves. Which is still pretty darned good! I'm just going 100% by my own, personal eye test. I think now is the time to enjoy, celebrate and build up all these hard-working teams. Not to criticize anyone. So I won't. But after the games, though, I'd be happy to share what I see now, as to which five I thought were peaking at just the perfect time (now), should anyone be curious.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 15, 2014, 09:48:44 PM
Whitman has a special opportunity tonight. I hope they can take advantage of only the second time for a NWC team to be playing host for a regional. It does seem like the committee must have felt badly about the all three NWC schools in the same pod and thus awarded Whitman the regional.

d3wbbfan, thanks for your support of the NWC from 3000 miles away. While the NESCAC is solid, I think once it gets to the top 32 or 16 teams in the country, the NESCAC generally benefits from home court advantage to get a team to the Final Four. George Fox has never hosted a regional and made it to the Final Four twice and appeared in the championship game both times.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 16, 2014, 12:46:59 AM
Whitman advances to its first Final Four, defeating #1 Thomas More 76-60. Both Sarah Anderegg (20 pts/11 rebs) and Meghan White (15 pts/11 rebs) had double-doubles. Heather Johns added 13, Hailey McDonald 10, and Tiffani Traver 9 for the Missionaries, who reached the 30-win plateau for the first time in school history with tonight's win, and are now 30-1 overall.

Thomas More loses for the first time this season, and ends their season at 31-1. Sydni Wainscott led the Saints with 13, while Jenny Burgoyne also hit double-figures with 10.

This game was marred, however, by an untimely knee injury suffered late in the first half by SO Saints star Sydney Moss, who entered the game as the country's DIII scoring leader, at over 28 ppg. Moss checked out with 7:24 left to go in the half, with the score knotted at 19, and was sadly unable to return.

Whitman held a slim 25-23 lead at the half, but started the second stanza on fire, scoring the half's first 13 points out of the gate, all before the first media timeout, to quickly extend their lead to 15, at 38-23. From there, the closest Thomas More could manage to get was to within 8, at 45-37, on a 3 from SR G Katie Kitchen, with 10:48 to play. The Missionaries, however, quickly re-established their 11-16 point cushion, pushing their lead late to as high as 17, before settling for the 16-point margin of victory.

Whitman will next face the Warhawks of #13 Wisconsin-Whitewater, who knocked out the defending champs earlier Saturday, #3 DePauw, 88-71, in a replay of last season's national final, and did it on DePauw's home floor. Whitewater will be the only school with previous Final Four experience, although they return just two starters from last season's national runner-up club. The Warhawks will also have the advantage of having the 2014 Final Four played just over two hours away from their own campus, in nearby Stevens Point, WI.

In the other Final Four national semi-final game, it will be #4 Tufts (30-1), who squeaked past unranked Ithaca at home, 61-59. The Jumbos will face off against the last 13-14 unbeaten DIII team, the #6 Devils of Fairleigh Dickinson Univ.-Florham (31-0), who beat fellow New Jersey DIII power and #8 Montclair State (28-3) 73-53 at home.   
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 16, 2014, 01:32:32 AM
Not to detract from Whitman, but that's a disappointing ending for Moss and the Saints' undefeated run. I was looking forward to seeing whether TMC could beat Whitman on the road, but without her, there wasn't much chance of that.

Sadly, this should be a familiar story (http://www.d3hoops.com/playoffs/women/2012/iwu-had-the-fight-in-them) for NWC fans.  :-\

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 16, 2014, 01:47:07 AM
Thanks, BruinFan. Believe me when I say that Whitman was playing this weekend for Coach Higgs' Pirates, Coach Meek's Bruins, UPS, L&C and for the entire NWC. I said when the bracket was first announced that I felt it was gonna be much easier for Whitman to win two games the *second* weekend than it was during the first weekend. And it was 100% true. The NWC toughened up all of its top teams. So I truly hope you feel a part of our team's Final Four journey, although I know it's not quite the same.

I am still in disbelief that Whitman was selected as the Sweet 16 host. I think you are spot on, that the NCAA must've felt some huge "buyer's remorse" at their decision. Fair is fair - no how tight the NCAA money is. But the bottom line is that the NWC champs should regularly be hosting the Sweet 16. It's a shame your Bruins had to win so many games on the road, previously. I hope we've done the NWC proud. Honestly, at this point, it's all Whitman can do for you guys.

The only downside is that Whitman will now be getting little or no national credit for the Thomas More win. The pundits will instantly claim "Whitman only won because Sydney Moss got hurt early in the game!" Well, I don't agree with that at all. We'd held them to just 19 points in the nearly 13 minutes before Moss got hurt. She only had 6 points, far below her 28+ppg average. Whitman plays great defense. Every night. Thomas More is used to track meets, and routinely posting 100+ points. Their league is not strong. The Saints are just not used to busting it on D. Whitman had Thomas More playing at OUR pace, not us at their pace. That's the tip-off how it would turn out. Because running teams *hate* playing slowly. And they only were playing slow because they had to. Their shots were being highly contested. Throughout history, how many teams with the Saints' run-and-gun style has ever won a national championship? I can't think of even one.   

Now I'm not saying Whitman is gonna win it all. But Whitman's style and pace has won championships before. Often. As for Whitewater, they added a highly skilled 6'2" post at mid-season. Kristen Ruchti played two years at DII, but burned out on hoops, and transferred to Whitewater to play volleyball only. But WBB coach Keri Corollo knew how good she was in HS, knew she had enrolled, spoke to her, and left the hoops door open, should she decide to later reconsider. She never did. But once she finished her final volleyball season in Jan., the now fifth-year SR was contacted one more time by a rather desperate Corollo, whose was starting 4 guards, had just lost twice in the D3 classic, and whose team was in dire need of quality size. As in "Uh, Kristen - want one last chance at college hoops - just for the rest of this season?" Kristen still waffled, but finally agreed. Whitewater WBB has lost only once, since she was added. And it was this very same Ruchti who absolutely destroyed DePauw down low Saturday. She's gonna be big trouble vs anybody she goes up against. And Whitman's next. And SR G Mary Merg is *still* eating nails, that her team lost in the final last year. "Focused" and "single-minded" just don't do her justice. Obsessed 24/7? More like it - in a good way. But Whitman has two highly skilled, veteran posts of their own. 

And if the Whits are fortunate enough to beat Whitewater, and reach the final, I'm quite confident of the Whits' chances against the Tufts/FDU-Florham winner. I've seen almost *every* Tufts 13-14 game (as they are my "eastern fave", as luck would have it). But, as objectively as I can possibly be, my eyes say that Whitman is 15+ points better than Tufts. And even worse for the Jumbos, their only reliable threat from 3 (Hannah Foley) was in street clothes all weekend. That left the Jumbos with only *four* highly skilled players. (Kanner, North, Morehead and Moynihan.) And FDU-Florham has feasted all year on pressing/causing turnovers. They are extremely athletic. Just like Christopher Newport was. And we saw how that strategy worked against Whitman. It didn't. And, although it's not a knock, the Devils have also had a very favorable draw so far. But like I said about Thomas More - you can only beat the teams on your schedule. And they have. We'll see. Thanks for still checking in to the NW Board, BruinFan. It's more fun to hang around with my "NWC Buddies" like you!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 16, 2014, 10:20:57 AM
Just watched the Saturday Wisconsin-Whitewater post game press conference, after their great win at DePauw. (It's on YouTube). Full credit to the Warhawk players - they were flat-out masterful in victory. But that game ended hours before the Whitman-Thomas More game tipped off. During the interview's final minute, Whitewater HC Keri Corollo clearly said that she expects to play Thomas More next. Period. Doesn't any coach worth their salt at least give the old "no matter who we're playing next, we'll be ready" answer? Instead of giving the later discredited-and-asterisked-in-victory "Whitman only advanced to the FF because Sydney Moss got hurt early" Missionaries even *more* bulletin board material? It's "Press Conference 101". (Of course, Corollo didn't yet know of the Moss injury, since it hadn't happened yet. BTW, I hope and pray Sydney makes a full recovery-the players just work so hard.) I am not making the coach's statement up. Listen to it yourself, NWC fans. Thanks for allowing Whitman to glimpse your true feelings, Coach Corollo. But be careful what you wish for. It will be the Missionaries, not the Saints, that will be playing you next weekend. The staff and players at Whitman are an extremely classy bunch, so I know they'll forgive your snub. But they surely won't forget. As for me? I'm just a fan. So I'm allowed to hold just a bit of a grudge about you trying to eliminate my team prematurely. So I think I will.    :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 16, 2014, 10:48:18 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 16, 2014, 01:32:32 AM
Not to detract from Whitman, but that's a disappointing ending for Moss and the Saints' undefeated run. I was looking forward to seeing whether TMC could beat Whitman on the road, but without her, there wasn't much chance of that.

Sadly, this should be a familiar story (http://www.d3hoops.com/playoffs/women/2012/iwu-had-the-fight-in-them) for NWC fans.  :-\

Gordan, you read my mind. I just went and skimmed the championship game write-up that you linked and I found this amazing statement.

"On Saturday, they trailed early, then caught a bit of a break when George Fox center Hannah Munger went down with a knee injury with 12:40 to go in the first half."

A "bit of a break" -  wow. Hannah Munger was having a terrific tournament and to minimize her departure is amazing. It was probably said to try and not take away from the IWU victory, but folks in Newberg consider that the single greatest factor in the loss.

The difference between that game and last night's Whitman/TM game was that Munger left the game 5 minutes earlier than Moss and the Bruins fought back and even had a lead in the second half.

Again, I would much prefer both teams at full strength. I'm happy for Whitman and the NWC and I do wish a full recovery for Moss.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Roundball999 on March 16, 2014, 12:16:41 PM
Quote from: BruinFan on March 16, 2014, 10:48:18 AM
Quote from: gordonmann on March 16, 2014, 01:32:32 AM
Not to detract from Whitman, but that's a disappointing ending for Moss and the Saints' undefeated run. I was looking forward to seeing whether TMC could beat Whitman on the road, but without her, there wasn't much chance of that.

Sadly, this should be a familiar story (http://www.d3hoops.com/playoffs/women/2012/iwu-had-the-fight-in-them) for NWC fans.  :-\

Gordan, you read my mind. I just went and skimmed the championship game write-up that you linked and I found this amazing statement.

"On Saturday, they trailed early, then caught a bit of a break when George Fox center Hannah Munger went down with a knee injury with 12:40 to go in the first half."

A "bit of a break" -  wow. Hannah Munger was having a terrific tournament and to minimize her departure is amazing. It was probably said to try and not take away from the IWU victory, but folks in Newberg consider that the single greatest factor in the loss.

The difference between that game and last night's Whitman/TM game was that Munger left the game 5 minutes earlier than Moss and the Bruins fought back and even had a lead in the second half.

Again, I would much prefer both teams at full strength. I'm happy for Whitman and the NWC and I do wish a full recovery for Moss.

Similarly, I find it amazing that some here minimize the impact of Moss' departure.  For goodness sake, she was a very strong player as just a freshman in a D1 powerhouse conference.  One can't know for sure who would have won if GF had Munger or TM had Moss for full games.  But surely if it is thought Munger's injury was the single biggest loss in GF's loss then one must reasonably conclude the same is true of Moss's loss.  Game was basically tied when Moss went down, Whitman wins by 16 thereafter.

None of this is to take away from Whitman's victory.  It is what it is and all teams play with the cards they are dealt.  We all know other very strong teams that lost an outstanding player or two to injury along the way and it's human nature to speculate "what if".   We can't know.  But TM will not appear in the record books with an asterisk as "could have been national champ" and if Whitman wins it they will have beaten everyone they needed to beat and will be deserving national champs - with no asterisk.  Congratulations to Whitman, they are deserving and have done exactly what they needed to do.  I for one will be cheering for them, however if I were a betting man my money's on Whitewater.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 16, 2014, 02:12:43 PM
I only caught the last half of the second half of the game against TMC, so thanks again for the write-up d3wbbfan and congrats to the Whitman Missionaries and the NWC.

Sydney Moss's injury is unfortunate all around, for the reasons already given.  I appreciate d3wbbfan's analysis of how much that may have affected the game.

But I don't see people here "minimizing" the impact of Moss's injury; I see them acknowledging it.  An example of minimizing would be that article that GordonMann linked to, which didn't even mention Munger's injury until the 13th paragraph.  At first I assumed that was because it was written by either the Illinois Wesleyan athletic department, or a fan or writer who is close to IWU.  But it came from d3hoops.com.

My first reaction was that I expected better balance from an article at d3hoops.com.  But then I realized that not surprisingly d3hoops.com cannot create all of its own content, it often links to articles on other sites.  E.g. d3hoops' recaps of last night's Whitman-TMC game are links to an article from Whitman (which doesn't mention Moss's injury until the 14th paragraph -- but given that it is a Whitman article about Whitman's team, one has to expect the article to focus on the Whitman players and not TMC's), and an article from Thomas More College (which mentions Moss's injury in its 3rd paragraph).

So, not surprisingly the coverage from Whitman and TMC give different degrees of prominence to Moss's injury.  And for that game, d3hoops currently has little content to add; all it has is links to those two articles.  But they did make sure to link to both the Whitman coverage and the Thomas more coverage, so given their stretched resources that's proper balanced coverage of the game.

d3wbbfan by the way mentioned Moss's injury in the 3rd paragraph of his post.

The coverage of the 2012 IWU-GFU game is still a bit of a mystery however.  IWU's website has an article which covers their championship win and mentions Munger's injury in its 8th paragraph (http://www.iwusports.com/news/2012/3/17/WBB_0317120444.aspx?path=wbball).  I can't find what George Fox Univ had to say about the game but it's safe to assume that Munger's injury was probably at least as prominently mentioned.

But the d3hoops article that GordonMann linked to was not the IWU article, indeed it has a byline which says "Pat Coleman d3sports.com".  At first I wondered if he was some local Illinois reporter that d3hoops hired as a freelancer or stringer, but (assuming it's the same Pat Coleman) he's even won awards for Div 3 reporting (http://www.d3boards.com/index.php?topic=7906.0).

So Pat Coleman's article should have reflected neutral coverage of the IWU-GFU game.  It does have some neutral aspects, e.g. the very first words of the article are:  "George Fox led by nine early and led by six late" so in that regard it was not failing to mention IWU's opponent.  But to not even mention Munger's injury until the 13th paragraph (even IWU mentioned it in the 8th paragraph of their article)?  That's minimizing an injury.

Bottom line:  Moss's injury was a big deal.  Munger's injury was a big deal.  The partisan writers (at the athletic departments) gave those injuries different degrees of emphasis, as is to be expected.  d3wbbfan gave Moss's injury a high degree of emphasis, which is the right thing to do.  Pat Coleman's d3hoops article is a mystery to me because he failed at that.  He may've won an award, but it's poor writing to bury what was at least the third most important feature of the game in the 13th paragraph.  (Most important feature of course is that IWU won the game and the championship; second most important is arguable although some would argue that Munger's injury was the second most important feature.)

Actually, although I can't find the full text of the award, it appears that Pat Coleman won that award for providing statistical and ranking services to Div 3 schools.  As opposed to sportswriting.  That might explain things a bit.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 16, 2014, 02:27:06 PM
P.S.  Found Pat Coleman's bio (http://d3hoops.com/directory/bios/Coleman_Pat) (I was ignoring the d3sports.com urls because I was trying to find articles about him rather than by him).  Executive editor at d3sports so let me quickly say that the d3sports website is a wonderful service because it provides coverage of a frequently overlooked portion of college sports -- and provides the fans a voice as well, namely these very boards that we're using right now.

But that was still a poorly constructed article.  "A bit of a break"?  13th paragraph?   If someone were to write that about Sydney Moss and the Whitman game, what would you think of the writer?  (Again, the athletic departments of Whitman and Illinois Wesleyan get a pass here because their emphasis has to be on their own players.)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 16, 2014, 02:50:09 PM
We essentially have a staff of 4-10 writers so we rely on schools to post their own press releases on games until the championship games when we write our own. The Whitman and Thomas More SIDs do an awesome job posting stuff on our website. I'm grateful to both of them for doing so.

People will discount Whitman's win over Thomas More because of Moss' absence and they should. That doesn't mean Whitman wouldn't have won if Moss played (they may have) or that Whitman isn't a great team (they are). The unfortunate thing is we'll never know who wins the game if Moss is healthy for all of it. Same goes for George Fox against Illinois Wesleyan.

As Roundball noted, Moss' injury will basically be a footnote to Whitman's story if they win it all, and it should be. Whitman is a special team and I look forward to seeing them in Wisconsin this weekend.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 16, 2014, 05:23:10 PM
Thanks, so it seems that one additional piece of information is that it's up to the college SIDs to post to d3hoops.com, which thankfully both Whitman and Thomas More College did, providing valuable coverage (and of course thanks again to d3wbbfan for providing coverage from the viewpoint of a third party).

And thanks again to D3Sports and it staff, including and especially Pat Coleman, it's a great website. 

But man, I'd expect better from an award-winning sports media guy.  Whitman burying Moss's injury into the 14th paragraph is okay, given the purposes of their coverage (and given that we can see Thomas More College's version, with the links side by side).  Coleman's burying Munger's injury into the 13th paragraph was not okay.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on March 16, 2014, 07:48:10 PM
Quote from: mkt on March 16, 2014, 05:23:10 PM

But man, I'd expect better from an award-winning sports media guy.  Whitman burying Moss's injury into the 14th paragraph is okay, given the purposes of their coverage (and given that we can see Thomas More College's version, with the links side by side).  Coleman's burying Munger's injury into the 13th paragraph was not okay.

Everybody is a critic...  ::)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 17, 2014, 12:02:43 PM
Glad to see a whole page of debate over my trademark understatement.

Just like you guys don't want to see your win vs. Thomas More discounted because of the injury to Sydney Moss, I didn't want to discount Illinois Wesleyan's win vs. George Fox over the same thing. And this isn't a game story, it's a feature on IWU.

Here's the game story:
http://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2011-12/contrib/201203188azay0

My piece is the sidebar, the second story on the game. This is par for the course, mkt.

Indeed, not mentioning a key injury in a game story until 13 paragraphs in? Who would do that?
http://www.d3hoops.com/seasons/women/2013-14/contrib/20140316b1vg0m
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 18, 2014, 03:28:15 AM
Thanks for the link to the game story, and the explanation that your article was a sidebar.  That makes everything much clearer, and better.  I believe that it totally answers the points that we (or at least I) have been raising.

I'm not sure why you're providing that last link though; that is precisely the Whitman article (written by the Whitman athletic dept for the Whitman community) that I've been talking about all along.  Unless you're saying that d3hoops wrote the article and Whitman chose to put it on their website, which is the opposite of the procedure that GordonMann was describing.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 18, 2014, 09:07:18 AM
I am aware it is Whitman's article but that's still a long way to bury an important part of the game. I believe even if you are writing your own PR you have some journalistic responsibility as well.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 21, 2014, 10:23:33 PM
Congrats to Whitman. Way to represent the NWC.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 21, 2014, 10:39:55 PM
Whitman defeats UW-Whitewater fairly handily tonight, 85-70, in the second semi-final in Stevens Point, WI, and will meet FDU-Florham in Saturday's DIII championship game.

The Missionaries, who improve to 31-1, had four in double figures, led by a career-high 33 from the West region's player-of-the-year, JR Heather Johns. SR Sarah Anderegg added 21, including 11-14 at the FT line. SR Meghan White posted a double-double, with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while SO Hailey Ann Maeda tallied 10 off the bench. Whitman shot just shy of 50% from the field (30-61).

The Warhawks got 51 of their 70 points from just two players: SR F Amy Mandrell (31), and SR G Mary Merg (20). Whitewater connected on just 33% of the FG attempts (25-75), while going 6-22 from deep. Whitman took far fewer from long range, but made 4 of their 7 attempts. Whitman also won the battle of the boards, 48-38.

Whitman trailed early, until an 11-0 run turned a 20-16 deficit into a 27-20 lead, with 5:42 remaining in the half. They led 41-30 at halftime, and the Warhawks could get no closer than 7 the rest of the way. This has been the same general formula that Whitman has been winning with all season - a mid-first-half surge, and then maintain a working margin of between 7 and 15 points the rest of the way. Those seeing Whitman for the first time tonight saw the usual, stellar Missionaries team effort, that finished NWC play at a perfect 16-0. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 22, 2014, 05:26:20 AM
Yes, a good strong victory for the Missionaries.   Although Anderegg and especially Johns excelled, one almost expects that from them.  What was especially good to see was Meghan White continue to excel while playing against the toughest competition.  I didn't really appreciate her until this season.  UWW had two players who were unstoppable and pretty much matched Anderegg's and Johns' production.  But White outplayed Ruchti, so that swayed the balance of big players in Whitman's favor, as well as the balance of the game.  That, and continued good defense especially on Thill. 

I'm looking forward to the championship game.  We don't know that Whitman will win the game, but we certainly know that they can win the game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on March 22, 2014, 10:05:16 PM
Congratulations to Whitman on the outstanding season. I was hoping for another Champion from the "West".
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on March 22, 2014, 10:30:42 PM
Congrats to FDU-Florham on finishing up a remarkable, undefeated season by defeating Whitman in the national championship game tonight, 80-72. And congrats as well to the Missionaries' players, coaches and staff for an amazing season. I want to thank the student-athletes for providing me personally with a WBB campaign I'll never forget, and for representing the NWC with much class, and a very high level of skill. I'm just sorry they couldn't bring home the big trophy tonight to Walla Walla. For the school, the fans, and all the other fine schools in this great conference. What a ride! I'm comforted to know that their main goal was to exceed last year's run, and reach the Final Four. So they did reach their primary season goal, and did themselves one better, with the Friday win over Whitewater. Talk to you again come November, my NWC friends!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 22, 2014, 11:55:40 PM
A good game, the offensive rebounding of the Devils was just too much. 

Even during the first half one could see signs of trouble:  Whitman was shooting a considerably higher FG percentage (and continued to do so throughout the game) and the announcers noted that despite that, and despite the rebounding seeming to be about even, FDU-Florham was keeping very close to Whitman.  The announcers were good but this was the one area where they perhaps didn't have time to notice that even though the total rebounding was close (and even at the end was not that disparate), the Devils were grabbing considerably more offensive rebounds than the Missionaries were.  They ended the game with a 19-10 offensive rebounding edge; they grabbed 45% of available offensive rebounds vs 33% for Whitman.  That was a big overall rebounding advantage for the Devils; you can afford to miss a lot of shots if you continually grab your own misses and they kept doing that. 

Whitman's normally a good rebounding team; they even had a bit of a height advantage over FDU-Florham but the Devils were relentless on the boards.  Whitman has athleticism and plays hard too, but I'd say that the Devils were simply tougher on the boards and that was the biggest difference. 

Other important but more minor factors were Whitman's many turnovers compared to few by the Devils, 16-9, and mediocre free throw shooting by the Missionaries, 64% compared to the Devils' 77%.

Whitman had the edge in most other areas of the game (better shooting, better shooting defense, more blocked shots, even more assists) but that was not enough to overcome the crucial Devils' advantages in those important areas.  The teams looked closely matched but FDU-Florham looked just a bit better; both teams looked like they were playing pretty much at the top of their games (McDonald was rather nightmarishly bad offensively, 0-6 from the field, 2-4 from the line, and 2 turnovers, but Whitman doesn't rely upon her for offense and she was a demon (if you'll excuse the term) defensively, as were most all of the Missionaries as usual).  FDU-Florhman would have to play badly, or Whitman would have to play really well, for Whitman to win.  Both teams looked like they played well, and that meant advantage FDU-Florhman.

But it's no disgrace to be the second best team in the country.  FDU-Florham looks like a deserved and worthy champion, but Whitman confirmed that the NWC has some seriously good teams.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 26, 2014, 03:00:14 PM
Congrats to FDU-Florham. They were the better team on Saturday.
Whitman did a great job representing themselves and the Northwest Conference.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on November 10, 2014, 02:34:00 PM
The pre-season Top 25 is up. (http://www.d3hoops.com/top25/women/2014-15/preseason)

Whitman #7, which seems about right.  I was a bit surprised to see Whitworth at #24 and George Fox unranked (arguably about #42 if we extrapolate); Whitwoth lost three starters including the players who were their leading and third-best scorers and rebounders.  George Fox last season seemed to be methodically rebuilding with a lot of young players on their roster.  Oh well, we will see and it's good to see the NWC get some deserved respect, in terms of pre-season rankings.  I anticipate another season of good basketball in the conference.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on November 11, 2014, 08:35:16 AM
mkt, I do think Fox will again be a strong contender. Benner was one of my very favorite players to watch in the NWC last season; to me, she's their best. I also think Blizzard will really step up. Roos got married, and is now Jami Morris. I also liked Codling's '13-'14 contributions, and Heckendorf is trustworthy, solid, and has logged many important minutes for Coach Meek. FYI, Jordyn Peacock transferred to NAIA school Concordia (OR), so although a 6'2" FR has come in, Fox's overall size isn't quite as daunting as last year.

One of your frosh, Rachel Martin, had an article written for her back in Feb '14, titled "Lady Owls Sign 'Athlete Of The Year'". Well, it was apparently a "premature" sign/announce for Oregon Tech, as she's magically now a Bruin. Ah, the trials and tribulations of DIII! :)  Besides, at this level you usually can't tell about FYs until their first year is in the books, as Pat Coleman so correctly reminds us of.

With that said, Whitman's hoping their last two huge seasons paid off on the recruiting trail, with seven newbies in tow. Led by F/C Emily Rommel, Coach Ferenz also brought in 5"10" Casey Poe, who can play 1, 2 or 3, lefty sharpshooting G Eve Goldman, tweener Chanel Knight, F Sierra McGarity and 6"2" C Kendra Winchester. Losing Anderegg, Traver and White will certainly hurt with overall point production, poise and intensity, but thankfully Heather Johns is back to navigate the surely much choppier Missionary execution waters in the early going. The bright side? There are minutes available, so we'll see if role players like Maeda, Ketner, McDonald and Brewer, as well as Heather Lovelace (lost to an ACL last year) can stave off the challenges of some talented freshmen hungry for some early PT. 

Finally, mkt, I do see your point about Whitworth. Losing Johnson and Lahue should really hurt them. But their interchangeable PG tandem (Zappone/Knutsen) do both return, as does #2 scorer KC McConnell and underrated, clutch SR Katara Belton-Sharp. However, I do think that this will be the year we can determine if the Bucs' absolutely suffocating team D of the past two years was simply the perfect match of Pirate personnel and Coach Higgs' schemes, or if she's now got a system in place where all she needs to do is to plug in new kids to execute their roles within it. My guess is it's the latter. I think Helen's an outstanding coach.

Can't wait for this weekend. I wish both good luck and no injuries to all NWC (and DIII, for that matter) WCBB teams in '14-15!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on November 12, 2014, 06:01:57 AM
Thanks for the updates, most of which I didn't know about.  Perhaps the most surprising one is Jami Roos getting married; IIRC last season you pointed out that a couple of Whitman's guards were married.  Despite working on college campuses for decades, I don't think I've encountered a student age 22 or less who was married.  But there've been at least three on NWC squads last season and this season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on November 16, 2014, 07:19:52 PM
Well, it took the Whitman Missionaries less than 24 hours to equal the number of losses the team had for the entirety of last season: Two. They went 0-2, and finished last in their '14-'15 season opening tourney out in Wilmington (OH).

First, the opener. Geneseo State (NY), out of the SUNYAC, has just missed the NCAAs the past two seasons, and have everybody back, for one last try at the postseason. All I have is a box score. Geneseo wins 64-52. The Whitman WBB web page's post game article says a Ketner hoop tied the game was at 47-all, with 6:31 left. From then until the 4-minute mark, the only five points came from Geneseo, via a jumper and a trey from the Knights' Shannon McGinnis. It was Geneseo's last FG of the game. Coach Ferenz then chose to start fouling each trip, and the Knights shot 12-16 down the stretch, to secure the victory. The Missionaries scored 21 FG for the game, and 8-22 from 3, to just 17 FG for Geneseo, who went 7-20 from deep. But the charity stripe disparity was huge, and was the clear difference: Geneseo 23-34; Whitman just 2 of 4. Ketner led Whitman with 10; Brewer and Johns 9; Lovelace 6.   

Ferenz opted for an all-returning players starting lineup: Johns, Macdonald, Maeda, Heather Lovelace and Hallie Buse. The choice of Buse, a popular senior and co-captain, surprised me most. She came in as a 5'10" FY as a with a rep as a great 3-pt shooter, but has seen the decent minutes she saw as a frosh further dwindle over the past 2 seasons, as her shots rarely, if ever, seemed to fall during the actual games. She is also clearly a small forward, with no guard skills, to team upfront with Maeda at the 4 spot and Lovelace in the post. 5'8" Hailie Macdonald was the 5th starter last year. Ferenz had the luxury of starting a player like MacDonald last season. Lightning quick, and a top defender, but that's about it. She possesses neither ballhandling skills nor scoring ability. She played as a "free safety"/undersized wing last year, with Traver still around at 2G, but now, having Macdonald as the only backcourt help for Johns is clearly not the way to go. Ferenz is understandably reluctant to overburden Johns with full-time PG duties this year, as Whitman's obvious #1 scoring option. Short term, Ketner *must* start at shooting guard, next to Johns. Immediately. It is a no-brainer. Replace Macdonald. And return Buse to her '13-'14 role.

Whitman's frontcourt defense has also taken a *major* step back in '14-'15. White and Anderegg were active and crafty veterans. Maeda has had pre-season injuries, and didn't play as well as usual this weekend. But Maeda has a solid track record, based on last season. Lovelace, coming off of an ACL, played a lot two years ago, but is quite rusty. She's also not very physical. A finesse player. That's always limited her effectiveness. Whitman was 100 more vulnerable to teams attacking the rim this weekend, than they were all of last year. And that's not easily fixable. Now don't get me wrong - Geneseo is a good team. But the SUNYAC is a one-bid league for the NCAAs. Honestly, Whitman's loss Saturday was more about the Missionaries not playing well that it was about the Knights. 

I had the chance to watch much of the consolation game today, vs Eastern Mennonite (VA), out of the ODAC. They were an NCAA team last year. They got the early jump on Whitman, leading by double digits at the half. Honestly, I expected the Royals to be a much better team than I witnessed. They lost by 19 Sat. to event host Wilmington, who was a .500 team last year, and was picked near the bottom of their league this year. Sunday's Eastern Mennonite game should've been a victory for Whitman, despite the problems they are having. They somehow rallied from 15 down late, mostly due to numerous Eastern Mennonite turnovers, missed FTs and mental errors. With EM up by just 3 with less than a minute to go, Whitman presses. The EM inbounder runs the floor (she was allowed to), but then decides to bounce the ball once, out of bounds, before passing it in. Turnover. Whitman ball. Ketner then connects for 3 with 19 seconds left. Tie game. Then another EM turnover. Around :10 secs left. Johns is triple-teamed, but valiantly still tries to somehow get off a shot, and was correctly called for the charge. OT. In the OT (for which, somehow, Ferenz had *Johns* jumping center!!!!!) EM SR Maria zumFelde makes 2 clutch 3-balls, gets fouled on another, while the Missionaries continued to appear hapless at both ends of the floor. Neither team displayed much skill, poise or discipline in the OT, but the Royals had a SR role player step up in the extra stanza, and Eastern Mennonite beats Whitman in OT, 76-73. As bad as Whitman played Sunday, they were almost handed a gift win that they didn't deserve. And I obviously still wanted to get. Loss #2 was clearly another self-inflicted wound. Ferenz started the same five as in the opener. Johns scored 22, Ketner 19 (again, inexplicably, coming off the bench; she's clearly Whitman's second best player. And she's a solid ball handler. Ferenz doesn't like her defense. I get it. It could be better. But it's not awful, and it's not for a lack of effort. For those of us who watched Alysse play all of last year, her solid results are no surprise at all.) Again, Brewer adds 7 off the bench (it's clear she worked hard on her 3-ball this summer, hoping to fill her sister's (Tiffani Traver) void as top-long-range-threat this year. While the other 4 starters totaled just 17 points - in a whopping 92 total minutes. Ferenz also gave 5'11" SR Katie Gray 18 minutes PT Saturday and 20 more minutes on Sunday. I expected closer to 5 minutes total for Gray per game.

I want to make clear that I have nothing but the utmost respect and warmest personal feelings for each and every player on the Whitman WBB roster. And I understand that it requires a huge personal commitment, of both time and energy, that goes into being a college athlete - especially at the DIII level, where the academic demands can be so grueling. The main reason I love the DIII level the most is that every athlete always looks like they are giving it everything they possibly have, every second of every game. So I understand the deep, sincere gratitude that all coaches have for players who've made that major commitment to their team. I feel it for them, too. And that their coaches would want to show respect for these veteran players' efforts by giving them "first crack" to grab the many new, available minutes that graduating 3 starters creates. In a way, it's only fair, and it's done for all the right reasons. 

My only point here is that WCBB is a high-profile NCAA varsity sport. Whether it's DI, II or III, it's not a pick-up league. All the games count. Whitman is the defending national runners-up. That's high cotton! The Whitman WBB program has never been so respected, or so high profile. It would be nice for the school, the NWC, and all its supporters to put its best foot forward. To try its best to sustain this excellence. And to show that the past two seasons were not a fluke. And, despite our heavy graduation losses, our very best player (Johns), is returning. And that's a great place to start. 

All veteran DIII observers know that major contributions made by first-year players are much rarer than they are in the scholarship divisions. It's always wise to take a wait-and-see attitude, as to newcomers and their impact. The quickness of the college game often shocks the DIII FR. Still, I thought Coach Ferenz did a great job of capitalizing on her club's recent successes on the recruiting trail. I thought for sure that at least 3, and as many as 5 of her FR might make some sort of early contribution. There is surely a FY player injury or two I'm not aware of, as I was stunned that sharpshooting lefty 2-guard Eve Goldman was DNP all weekend, especially with them needing late 3-pt production in both games. To me, shooting guard is the easiest position to transition, from HS to college. So she must be hurt. I also don't know if I saw FYs Sierra McGarity or Chanel Knight anywhere on the Whitman bench. They could've been; just not sure. I saw that the 6'2" girl (Winchester) did get in briefly in both contests.

FYs Emily Rommel and Casey Poe both did play. Rommel by far the most. And while you could absolutely see them both struggle with things like picking up quick fouls, and where exactly they needed to be at times, I really liked what I saw, out of both of them. Poe is 5'10", who's always been a PG. Great handle. Great vision. Wonderful passer. She is long, lean and athletic, and I could already see that she has a super understanding of the game. Same for Rommel. At around 6'0", she doesn't have *nearly* the mega-hops Meghan White had as a 5'10" post last year, but Rommel can easily slot in at 3, 4 or 5, has a nice shooting touch, and is a gifted, natural athlete who looked comfortable out there to me right away. Unusually so. To Coach Ferenz' credit, Rommel did get good minutes this weekend. Most importantly, I thought she did a commendable job of defending down low. Whereas it looked to me like Gray was lost, on both O and D, on numerous occasions. (And I'm not counting the time when her "scrunchie" broke, and her long hair was flying around everywhere)  :)  Now Katie, who's a SR, should surely know the Whitman system by now. So I say if there's gonna be confusion and/or ineffective play out there by your veterans, then what are you gaining by playing them? I've found most DIII athletes to be smart, good listeners and quick learners. So to me, if a veteran isn't using their experience to effective advantage out on the floor, then it's in the best interests of the team to give the newbies their chance.

I just thought my fellow NWC'ers would be interested in my early take at the preseason conference #1. I haven't seen anyone else yet, but Whitman definitely has a ton of work to do. They looked to be a million miles from a good basketball team this weekend. But it's only the start of things. It's certainly gonna be a very quiet plane ride back from Ohio to Walla Walla, WA. Going from #2 in the entire nation in March, to being #4 in the 4-team Wilmington Classic in November, feels like a bungee cord had to somehow be involved! And as a diehard Missionary fan, who's had many thrills with them these last two seasons, I remain on-board, very grateful and optimistic.  It's just that this club should've returned home no worse than 1-1. The box scores say that both Geneseo State and Eastern Mennonite beat Whitman this weekend. But the truth is that no one else but Whitman beat Whitman this weekend. If there's one thing I do know for sure, it's that Michelle Ferenz knows what the heck she's doing. (And congrats to her daughter Mikayla, who signed her LOI scholarship offer this week to play for the DI Vandals of Idaho next season.) If Michelle felt the right thing to do was to give her veterans the first shot at more PT, more power to her. She's around her team every day. But what I took from it is that we need Johns, Ketner, Maeda and Rommel starting. I can still see giving Lovelace her minutes - ACL recovery always involves rust. Install Brewer as the 6th man, increase her minutes, and give Poe 15-18 minutes as PG off the bench. To me, that's the top 7. It may appear counter-intuitive to some to cut way back on the PT of one of just two remaining starters. But big minutes for Hailie Macdonald is a luxury this year's team *absolutely* cannot afford. Besides, her and Maeda are the team's two worst FT shooters. Having both start now accentuates that flaw. But Maeda is a solid rebounder and scorer, and more than earns her keep, so you live with her bad FT%. Macdonald gives you only one thing: defense. And I say this as a "defense first" guy myself. Spot her minutes. To shut down a hot shooter. Or to press full court. The sad truth is that she's not active enough anywhere on the scoresheet, to justify the huge minutes she gets. And if Macdonald's HS teammate (Goldman) is healthy, give her some minutes. Same for Knight and McGarity. Let's see what they've got. We're losing Johns after this year. So if/when it becomes clear it's a possible transition year for the Missionaries (which I'm not at all saying yet), and it's gonna be the Ketner/Brewer/Rommel/Poe show next year, why not give them a head start? 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on November 21, 2014, 06:26:32 PM
Thanks to the NWC's Stretch Internet site, I was able to watch some of George Fox's and Whitworth's early game action. The Bruin games didn't seem to be offered live, but I glimpsed some game action on demand. I liked what I saw. Meek has clearly revamped the offense. Much less post oriented; more perimeter. Quicker ball movement. Watching the young ladies, there's a noticeably higher energy level. The fun level seemed to be up, which I always like to see from any team. Last season, I noticed that Coach Meek wasn't overly active/vocal during games. Not a good or a bad thing - just an observation. But this past weekend, he was *extremely* vocal. Especially while his team was on offense, during play, no doubt ensuring they're properly executing his new system. Man, George Fox has a *lot* of talented players. And the entire primary rotation were veterans. Although some only saw limited minutes last year, these Bruins are both plenty talented, and plenty ready to produce now (*very* unlike Whitman's bench upperclassmen looked out in Ohio.) Good luck to George Fox this weekend, as they head out to Wisconsin. I'll be rooting for you guys. Whitwater lost 8 seniors from last year's FF team, and lost to Elmhurst earlier this week. Still, it's never easy playing out there. I'll try to catch some of the live action online.

Whitworth easily handled Rutgers-Newark last night at home (Whitman will get their chance at Rutgers-Newark Sat., in their home opener), after coming back to knock off Eastern Oregon in their season opener last weekend in Spokane. As an NAIA club, EO was already 4-0 going in. Whitworth lost starters Johnson, Lahue and Lyons. But the Bucs appeared not to have missed a beat. Still playing great team D, and still making all their FTs. Their offense isn't firing on all cylinders yet, but it will be soon. Belton-Sharp, now a starter, is out of the gate especially strong for the Pirates.

I haven't had the chance to see Puget Sound yet, but it looks to me like George Fox and Whitworth are both back strong, playing well early, and are on pace for a return trip to the NCAAs, come March.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on November 21, 2014, 07:36:47 PM
Quote from: d3wbbfan on November 21, 2014, 06:26:32 PM
Thanks to the NWC's Stretch Internet site, I was able to watch some of George Fox's and Whitworth's early game action. The Bruin games didn't seem to be offered live, but I glimpsed some game action on demand. I noticed that Coach Meek wasn't overly active/vocal during games. Not a good or a bad thing - just an observation. But this past weekend, he was *extremely* vocal. Especially while his team was on offense, during play, no doubt ensuring they're properly executing his new system. .



You are able to pick-up how vocal a coach is from online streaming?  I must not be paying close enough attention.
Bruins are very much in charge in the 2nd half against Whitewater right now - looking good. Coach Meek is using a lot of players. This is a good time of year to see what combinations and situations work best for what he wants to do.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on November 21, 2014, 09:34:52 PM
Granted, Bruin Fan, being able to hear a coach online is rare. It just happened that there was a very sparse home crowd in Newberg when I was watching them play Trinity (TX). You could practically hear a pin drop that game! And, while the camera panned, Meek was standing most of the time when I watching (unusual for him). I also know that un-mistakeable "game coach-speak" when I hear it (years of WCBB experience, trust me - I'm old!)   :)

Another wonderful effort by the Bruins tonight. Yeah, Milwaukee was technically a "neutral site" game vs Whitewater, but it's still in Wisconsin! I didn't really recognize any names of the Whitewater players tonight, as ones who Whitman defeated in their FF semi. But with Mary Merg there or not, they're still a powerhouse DIII program. Your team's defensive intensity has really picked up this season. Both perimeter and interior. Good elevation, rebounding, foot positioning and shot blocking. Benner has now added more back to the basket moves to her offensive arsenal. (I love it when players *truly* get better. Coaches and players always talk that talk, but actual, up-a-full-skill-level improvement is much rarer than you'd think.) Were I trying to guard Justine next game, I would tell my players she's "all right hand" at the moment. Here's hoping she can develop her off-hand a bit. At least enough where opponents can't totally overplay her right hand on D. Codling continues to impress me big-time. She's playing at a 1st team all-NWC level. Poised. Clutch. Great decision-making. Never plays too fast. Blizzard had both foul trouble and no points today, but she's solid as a rock at PG. And Meek can slide in either Morris or Dummer (also a nice '14-'15 surprise for Fox, to my eyes) if needed. I also really like what Kennedy Hobert gives Fox. She looks and plays bigger than her listed 5'10" to me. She's playing like a 6'1" player. Credit also goes to Sammy Naluai. She's a quick, active defender who creates chaos for opponents. But what I give Meek the most credit for is reducing Heckendorf's minutes so far. It's not like she's not a good player anymore. It just looks like Dacia's minutes have been claimed by players who are just a little better than her this year. Fair and square. She's smart enough to know that she'll still play, and still help them win. Because sometimes, Meek will need a heady senior out there on the floor. And she'll be ready.

Great job representing the NWC, Bruin Fan! I'm sure UW-Whitewater has had their fill of NWC teams lately!!!! I couldn't be happier for you. Last season, in the NCAA Sweet 16 and beyond, I felt all the Bruin, Pirate and Pio fans all pulling for fellow NWC team Whitman to go far. Well, we went to the very last day. And should another NWC do the same this year, I'll return the favor, and be behind you guys every bit as much. I didn't expect Fox to be so clearly better this year. But you are. And that's not easy. But I know a great team when I see one. And I never called the Bruins great once last year. It is early. And I am not putting the cart before the horse. There remains much work to be done. To date, all credit goes to the players, and to Coach Meek. The one thing Whitman *had* to have last season was no injuries to Johns, Anderegg, White or Traver. Lose even one - no FF. The Missionaries lucked out. The '14-15 Bruins have far more depth than Whitman did last year. Still, you need Benner, Codling and Morris to stay healthy. After Munger, you guys deserve no more key injuries. From now until forever!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on November 22, 2014, 09:40:06 PM
George Fox trails Wisconsin Lutheran 29-22 at halftime. WLC pushed #9 DePauw to the brink last night losing 69-68.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on November 22, 2014, 10:47:24 PM
George Fox comes from 13 down to beat Wisconsin Lutheran 65 to 58.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on November 22, 2014, 11:03:52 PM
George Fox shook off ice-cold shooting for the first 80% of the game late in the second half, storming back late to defeat Wisconsin Lutheran 65-58.

Down 47-34 with less than 7:00 to play, the Bruins ended the game on 31-11 scoring run to sweep the weekend. And with fellow tourney participant DePauw beating WLU by one Saturday, and also coming from behind today to beat UW-Whitewater 63-54, the two perennial Wisconsin DIII powers ended the weekend 0-4.

Game-long, full court George Fox defensive pressure clearly caught up with the Warriors late, creating numerous empty trips, turnovers and missed free throws. The Bruins ice-cold 3-pt shooting for most of the night left WLU more than content to stay in their zone defense. But then Sammy Nalaui quickly got hot, connecting on 3-balls at both the 6:22 and 5:53 marks. The Warriors then had to quickly come out on D, which opened up the short corner down low, which Justine Benner, Lauren Codling and Kennedy Hobert were then repeatedly able to exploit, and convert into points down low. Jami Morris then sealed the Fox victory with two more late 3's, as well as going 6-6 from the FT line in the final 90 seconds.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Captain_Joe08 on November 22, 2014, 11:40:43 PM
Quote from: d3wbbfan on November 22, 2014, 11:03:52 PM
George Fox shook off ice-cold shooting for the first 80% of the game late in the second half, storming back late to defeat Wisconsin Lutheran 65-58.

Down 47-34 with less than 7:00 to play, the Bruins ended the game on 31-11 scoring run to sweep the weekend. And with fellow tourney participant DePauw beating WLU by one Saturday, and also coming from behind today to beat UW-Whitewater 63-54, the two perennial Wisconsin DIII powers ended the weekend 0-4.

Game-long, full court George Fox defensive pressure clearly caught up with the Warriors late, creating numerous empty trips, turnovers and missed free throws. The Bruins ice-cold 3-pt shooting for most of the night left WLU more than content to stay in their zone defense. But then Sammy Nalaui quickly got hot, connecting on 3-balls at both the 6:22 and 5:53 marks. The Warriors then had to quickly come out on D, which opened up the short corner down low, which Justine Benner, Lauren Codling and Kennedy Hobert were then repeatedly able to exploit, and convert into points down low. Jami Morris then sealed the Fox victory with two more late 3's, as well as going 6-6 from the FT line in the final 90 seconds.

Technically my alma mater is university but they kept the college due to changing everything that is WLC around campus from what I heard from a professor once lol.

WLC can play with the marquee teams in the top 25 but ever since they played at Calvin in the tournament a few years back, I have noticed that they seem to have one or two things that seem to go against them in close games against top teams. Hopefully, that can change when they head to Vegas in December. They were picked unaminously to win the NACC (which is surprising IMO) so they will use their two games against very good competition when they open conference play next weekend.

It's always nice to see nationally ranked teams come to play in the opening season tournament. Hopefully, you guys enjoying Milwaukee!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on November 29, 2014, 12:56:44 AM
I wasn't gonna pay $7.95 to watch the rematch between Whitworth and Eastern Oregon out in Idaho tonight, even though the earlier game in Spokane was an entertaining one, with the Bucs coming from behind for the win, in their season opener. The NAIA Mountaineers are always a solid team, though, and that loss to Whitworth was their only blemish so far. But I kept on eye on Live Stats. Great game! EO got the jump early, leading by as much as 17 in the first half, 32-15. Not a whole lot going right for the Pirates early on, although they managed to narrow the gap to seven by halftime, at 37-30.

But, as I've witnessed time and time again, everything about Whitworth's game seems to elevate during the second half. One of their staples is getting to the FT line, where their 87% proficiency as a team is only a slight improvement over last season. But points from there just didn't materialize tonight, however, as the Bucs shot just five in total, making only 2. But after managing to reduce the deficit to three on several occasions, a layup by Eastern Oregon's Madeline Laan with 4:08 left stretched the Mountaineer lead back out to 8, at 62-54, putting Whitworth squarely behind the 8-ball. But then wily veteran Coach Helen Higgs did her Roberto Duran impression, declared "No Mas!" to her troops, and, as is usually the case, the other team simply cannot score again. From there, Whitworth scored the game's final nine points, and grabbed their first and only lead of the game on a Jessica Kramer jumper with just :04 left. The game-winning hoop had to be especially sweet for Kramer, the 5'9" SR, who spent her first two seasons at the very end of the bench for Coach Anji Weissenfluh at Eastern Oregon before transferring to Whitworth, where she's now a starter averaging double figures. Katara Belton-Sharp led the Pirates with 15 points, while Kendra Knutson chipped in with 11. EO drops to 6-2. Whitworth improves to 3-0, and takes on event host College Of Idaho Saturday.     

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and it's patently obvious that much-improved George Fox has borrowed a huge chunk of their 14-15 team's new defensive philosophy from Higgs, who beat the Bruins in both the NWC tourney and the NCAAs last season. Or at least Coach Michael Meek decided, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." George Fox has the league's most talent this year. Still, I've marked both 1/17/15 (in Newberg) and 2/13/15 (in Spokane) on my calendar. Those two Bruin-Buc NWC games are gonna be like two gladiators going 15 rounds! And an added rematch or two in the league final and/or NCAAs wouldn't shock me in the least.

Whitman evens their record at 2-2, with an easy 64-46 win over winless Iowa Wesleyan, down in Colorado. They'll take on an also-winless Colorado College team Saturday. The Missionaries are still a work in progress. Giving two FY's like Emily Rommel and Casey Poe solid minutes right away clearly goes against every fiber of Michelle Ferenz' being, but she has absolutely no choice. I live and breathe defense just like she does, so I understand that "they just don't understand the first thing about college basketball yet" anxiety. Of course, she's right. But that doesn't matter. It's not ideal, but she needs to play them now, and get them up to speed ASAP, as best she can, to have any real chance to hang with George Fox, Whitworth and Puget Sound later. They are more than capable. Rommel is a stud, and is already playing like an upperclassmen. And mark my words, Poe will be right behind her in a month or two. She needs to play. Now. Every minute of PT Casey Poe gets now will pay off 10-fold for Whitman in February. Both frosh are natural leaders on the floor. Ferenz' loyal, classy, dues-paying seniors just aren't talented enough to help Whitman beat the other NWC contenders. But they can still contribute in a huge way. Love and support the seven Whitman freshmen every day. Help the young ones get up to speed. Get Eve Goldman in the weight room. She's smart, talented, and she's a pure shooter. SR Marah Alindogen hardly played at all for Whitman last year, but her dynamic personality and popularity within the team was absolutely critical to their success.   

The fact that neither McDonald nor Maeda are even 1% better at the FT line this year (which was easily fixable, with commitment and hard work) is completely inexcusable to me. The SO Ketner's results haven't been anywhere as consistent as they need to be yet, on either O or D. But Alysse is a very clutch player in high-pressure situations (which is worth its weight in gold), she possesses obvious inside-outside ability on O, and her effort is always there. Chelsi Brewer has been as consistent as Johns so far during games, and I am totally mystified as to why she isn't getting twice the minutes that she has thus far. The SO has clearly taken very seriously her personal goal of bringing everything to the team that her sister (Tiffani Traver) brought to Whitman during last year's FF run, right down to changing her number to Tiffani's old #4. And she has done every bit of that so far. To me, there just aren't very many '14-15 Missionary players that you can say that about so far. Yet the reward of more minutes for Brewer hasn't followed. To me, a core value of coaching is to reward players who've tangibly improved their games through off-season hard work. And, to an extent, vise versa.       

But I reiterate: Coach Michelle Ferenz is no dummy. She knows *darn* well that having Heather Johns scoring 35ppg in their Nov/Dec games isn't at all in either Heather's or her team's best Feb/March interests. But once Ferenz does finally give Johns the go ahead to "start doing her thing", (and she will eventually), Whitman will instantly look 1000 times better as a team. Heather Johns can basically score at will. At season's end, Johns' should produce a teaching video, about how to properly drive, slash and penetrate to the goal for two points. Now, getting a back screen or two from her teammates never hurts, but that's optional in her case. Just basically clear out, and watch Heather score her two points. Done. Very few, if any DIII teams have a player that can truly do that. Johns' immense contributions to Whitman's historic past two seasons cannot possibly be overstated. Yes, Anderegg, White and Traver are all now truly missed by Whitman. They were all fantastic. But the truth is that even they "rode the back of their #1 option" (Johns) during some of their most pressure-packed moments last season. Whitman played a surprising number of close games in '13-'14. They blew very few teams out. And Johns was the one that ultimately came through for them, time and time again. And she's still on the team this year. But Ferenz needs her as fresh as humanly possible for later in the year, and absolutely cannot wear her out early on. Whitman's gonna need 7 or 8 reliable players. Thankfully, McDonald is finally starting to use her speed and athleticism to score a few points, to rebound some, and to add some assists. If Ferenz is gonna stay with her, it is vital that Hailey further grow her game - and in a hurry. Maeda is their top returning frontcourt player, and they badly need her to average close to a double-double. She was an unsung hero for Whitman last year. But she's a starter now, and she's playing at nowhere near that level at the moment. Bottom line: I don't think that Coach Ferenz really minds having her team flying "below the radar" right now. Last year was all about expectations and pressure. But that gets old after a while. This is a different Whitman group. And while there's a lot of work to do, in the end, I still think that Ferenz, Johns and Co. will manage to make one more trip to the NCAAs together. We'll see.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on December 01, 2014, 01:34:09 AM
Watched Puget Sound's last two games. 5-0 so far. They should finish their pre-conference at 9-0. Coach Loree Payne's been great there since Day 1. Very veteran bunch this year - 6 SRs. Seems like starters Katy Ainslie (15.4ppg), Amanda Forshay (11.6ppg) and G Ashley Agcaolli have been there forever, with fellow vets Hannah Lekson, Olivia Roberts and Erin Stumbaugh all getting regular minutes in the games I saw. JR Emily Sheldon (12ppg) and SO Alex Noren are their other starters. JR F Allie Wyszynski rounds out their rotation, according to their stats, although I saw FR G Katie Vold have an excellent game from long range vs Concordia-Moorhead.

If the Loggers are gonna claim an NCAA bid, this is their year to do it. I always find myself rooting for teams like this. How can you not? They never take a play off, are always where there are supposed to be, make good decisions, execute properly, and have each developed their own games to the best of their God-given abilities. What more could any coach or fan ask for?

Still, while Puget Sound's overall team defense compares favorably with the best DIII teams in the country, to me, their NCAA slot depends on Michelle Ferenz at Whitman. Like I've said earlier, if Buse/Gray/Lovelace continue to see double-digits minutes for Whitman all year, Puget Sound will go to the NCAAs, and Whitman will stay home. Because the Loggers' battle-tested veterans are exponentially better than all of Ferenz' SRs not named Johns. No contest. But Whitman has three "X" factors. 1) Ferenz has already been there and done that, 2) Heather Johns is back, and 3) Whitman, thanks to their long NCAA runs the past two years, benefitted from it by bringing in the best recruiting class in the league. And it's not just Rommel and Poe. The 6'2" FY, Kendra Winchester, can also help Whitman right away. She has GREAT hands. She doesn't always use a "rhythm dribble" before making a post move, she keeps her head up, she sees the floor well from the high post, and she is a good passer. In 2014, it seems like so many 6-foot + DI, II and III WBB players hate physical contact, are allergic to paint, and say to anyone who will listen that they are a tall guard, not a front court player. This is always selfish, and is never in a team's best interests. Kendra, however, likes it down low. And Whitman needs her to be down low. And that's 90% of the battle. She gives consistent effort, and she enjoys playing the game of basketball. That's not a given. Sadly, many big girls take up the sport simply because of their height. But not Winchester. She's into it. Yeah, there's still room for some added fitness and strength, but Kendra's already made great strides in that regard.   

I'm also very surprised to see the 5'8" FY Chanel Knight getting so few minutes early. Now I don't see her in practice every day, but I think Coach Ferenz may be making a mistake here. I know that Knight doesn't have the classic, chiseled "basketball body" that Ferenz normally recruits, and clearly prefers. And that she's a "tweener", height-wise. But I've seen kids like her before. And what she *is* is a basketball player. Chanel seems surprisingly quick and athletic, to my eyes, and seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. I do not see Knight as a defensive liability, either. I think Chanel could give Whitman quality minutes as a 3 or an undersized 4 player. Right now. Why not give it a try? Especially with the FY Sierra McGarity hurt. There are two games with Walla Walla coming up. Coach already knows what Buse, Gray and Lovelace can do. One way to effectively replace Anderegg's and White's defensive prowess is with simple numbers up front. In a pickup game of 2-on-2 to 11 today, I'd put a dollar on Winchester and Knight beating Buse and Gray. More youth and more talent, over more experience but less talent. And I mean no disrespect to those Whitman seniors, whatsoever. I'm trying to keep my emotions out of my decision here. Johns, Ketner and Brewer are a very solid trio at guard, and after seeing Goldman a couple of times now, I do now see what Coach has been seeing, and agree that a year of strength training and experience is what's best for Eve in '14-15. And I may soon feel the exact same way about Kendra and Chanel, after seeing them on the floor more.

It's just that I've seen players both exceed and not meet my own expectation level for them, every single season, as long as I've been involved in basketball. For example, I just now saw UConn FR Kia Nurse win the MVP of an 8-team T'Giving tourney in FL. It was 100% deserved. Breanna Stewart did not even make the all-tourney team. She played OK, but that decision was also 100% deserved. Who saw that coming back on Friday morning? Nobody. What if Kendra Winchester or Chanel Knight go off for a double-double vs Walla Walla? Now does that mean either one is then ready for the likes of Whitworth or George Fox? Absolutely not. But I've seen a good FY performance or two boost a newbie's confidence 1000-fold. What would happen if Rommel and Winchester were ever in a game together? I bet Emily would thrive playing some minutes at the 4 spot. And I'm sure a "Twin Towers" look would give NWC teams something new to worry about, that they're not too worried about when they're taking Katie Gray to the basket. That's my only point. A high risk idea, but with high reward. It might not work. But then again, it might. Every FY starts off playing like a deer in headlights. Rommel's already pushed past that, and is already up to speed on the college game. She will absolutely be the NWC's freshman of the year. It would be nice if Poe, Winchester and Knight, if nothing else, were at least able to breathe and function normally on the floor by the NWC opener. It is only then that their play and on-floor contributions can be properly evaluated. Whether or not either of the last two end up as a part of the '14-15 primary rotation is uncertain. And it's asking a lot of them, I know. I just sense that it's an "automatic no" in the eyes of Coach right now. 

I've always thought that experienced players in sports is overrated. For years, I've seen coaches see a 17-year-old, raw, natural physical talent and think, "All I have to do is teach them the game." Well, the coach almost always fails at this. To me, players at age 17 are already 75%+ as good as they're ever gonna be. Sadly, many are already 100% as good as they will ever be. Coaches will fight me on that point, until the day I die. But that still doesn't mean I'm wrong. That's true of people in every walk of life. Same thing with the transition from HS to college BB. There is a big difference, of course. Yet I've seen many players adjust to it almost immediately, and others who never make the leap. Each player handles it differently. The one thing coaches need to do is to give those players with enough talent to contribute a grasp of the team's overall O and D system, then to make sure they understand it by heart, so they can execute it "automatically". Only then can a player be relaxed/confident enough to start to move beyond the teaching, and to then show his/her coach and teammates the special, individual O/D skills they possess. I've found most of this "big transition stuff" to be coach-speak. And to harp on it only makes it a bigger obstacle for those struggling with it.

What I have always loved about watching Whitman's set offense is that it's not real complicated. It's based on precision and timing, and is very effective. At its core is solid spacing and the key, diagonal pass made from the high to the low post. So I fail to see why executing it well is beyond the grasp of the FR. Will they execute it 100% as well as the SRs? No. But can they execute it 75-80% as well, by Feb? Yes. And I believe that's good enough to have them be on the floor.   

Back to Puget Sound. Their team D is just not at the level of either Whitworth or George Fox right now. In their "defense", the only way it possibly could is if Puget Sound pressed at least 75% of the game, and kept shuttling in 9 to 11 players, who were ordered to play D as if their lives depended on it for the next 4-5 minutes, until the next 5 players came in, with the exact same marching orders. The two leagues I always watch and enjoy the most are the NWC and the NESCAC. And while both Tufts and Williams have well deserved reputations as exceptional defensive squads, neither one plays, or even approaches defense the way Whitworth does (or the way George Fox is so far this year.) Whitworth did also play this way on D last year, but because all 3 NWC teams were stuck in the same 4-team 1st & 2nd round '13-14 NCAA pod, due to geography, very few DIII fans had the pleasure to watch Whitworth in action. They were so "on point" as a team late last year, to me they were an absolute lock to reach the Sweet 16/Elite 8. The fact that Whitworth had beaten previously-undefeated Whitman in the NWC title game, and then gave the Missionaries' by far their toughest NCAA game until the final was absolutely no surprise to me at all, as a Whitman supporter. And while the Pirates' D is performing at the very same, maniacal level of effectiveness so far this season, and they're off to a 4-0 start, early on they are clearly missing the clutch offensive production of graduated SRs Kayla Johnson and Kendra Lahue in '14-'15. This is not sour grapes - all college hoop squads must deal with graduation losses. And new options on O are already stepping up for Whitworth. I just lament that more DIII fans across the country didn't get to watch Whitworth play in the NCAAs last year. Whitworth was a great, very successful team in a very unique way, that was unusually exciting to watch. Don't believe me? If you can, go back and watch the 2nd half of either of the last two Whitman-Whitworth games in '13-'14. As A Whitman fan, moving on in the NCAAs from there, playing the Christopher Newports, UW-Whitewaters, or even during the famous "asterisk" St. Thomas More game, there was a complete confidence. A relief, almost. Because we all knew none of these teams played defense even 1/10th as effectively as Whitworth had. There's a reason why one of the top young DIII coaches in the country (Michael Meek) totally junked his defense, and adopted Helen Higgs' system this year. Because it is *that* good. And is *that* effective in shutting down/tiring out opponents, and winning games against the top teams. For the rest of DIII, consider yourself warned. Because no one else is playing team defense at their level right now. Anywhere.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on December 02, 2014, 03:28:28 PM
Thanks for the thorough reports, d3wbbfan.

They are very helpful to people like me who are trying assess D3 teams from the other side of the country.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on December 03, 2014, 01:41:45 AM
Thanks, Gordon. That means a lot, especially coming from a seasoned scribe like yourself.

To me, just two NWC teams are in the "average to good" category. Willamette and Linfield, in that order. They are both young squads, but I've really been impressed with now 3rd-year Willamette coach Peg Swadener, both last season and this year so far. The Bearcats have been a down program forever in WBB, but there is now clearly light for them at the end of this tunnel. They're my bet for 5th. Linfield 6th.

You may want to update your D3 WBB page for Lewis & Clark. The new Pio coach is Asha Jordan. Over the summer, former HC Juli Fulks moved back closer to where she's from, and is now the HC at Transylvania (for which D3 already has updated. Currently, D3 shows Fulks as the HC of both programs.)

Lewis & Clark continues a slide in the wrong direction, W-L wise, that began last season. The Pios are down as a program even further this year, and, to my eyes, are now among the NWC's bottom three, along with Pacific Lutheran and Pacifc (Ore.).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on December 07, 2014, 07:06:26 AM
George Fox (7-0) sweeps two in Cali: 63-52 Fri at Cal Lutheran. Benner 20, Codling 12, with Naluai 11 off the bench, and then 63-48 Sat at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. Benner and Naluai 12, Codling and Jami Morris (formerly Roos) 10 each. I saw all of both games. The Bruins mostly backed off of their press, while still shuttling players in/out every couple of minutes. Now that Coach Meek knows his team has the constant-pressure-on-D thing down pat, he changed things up a bit, trying to get more points using his conventional offensive sets.

To me, Meek deciding to continuing to shuttle in players without him pressing/having his kids exert max D effort wasn't very effective. I understand that he has 9-10 quality players he wants to give PT to. But over this weekend, the "3 through 9" players in the rotation just never seemed to be able to stay out there long enough to get into much of an offensive flow.

Kennedy Hobert, a SO 4-spot player I've liked so far, was DNP this weekend - must be hurt. They're a better team when Hobert gives them minutes. This gave the 6'3" SO C, Sydney Beadle, minutes she hadn't seen before. And although Fox has another 6'3" FY on the roster (Jamieson), I haven't seen her play yet. Beadle gives the Bruins the traditional post presence they had recently with Munger, and then last season with the now-with-Concordia (OR) Jordyn Peacock. She's got some game, good hands and a solid basketball body, but Beadle will be much better next year. Meek's been going with a Codling/Benner combo at the 4/5 spots. Morris has become even more important to her team this year. She's this year's leader. To her credit, she's added a nice drive-to-the-goal game to her existing 3-point skills, and can easily move over to the PG spot when Meek rests Blizzard. Heckendorf is a coaches' dream out there. Every single skill of hers is above average. You don't realize how much smoother she makes things run out there for Fox until Dacia's out of the game. The JR Sammy Naluai is their quickest player, perhaps the team's best from 3, and has really stepped up for them this year. She's gonna be one of the five players out there at the end of big games for Fox this year, in place of the SO starter Dummer. So while the Bruins took care of business on the road this weekend, they weren't exactly impressive. Both games only had about a 6-8 point lead for Fox, with 5:00 to go. Still, Meek never seemed worried. As if he could go "pedal to the metal" at any time, had he felt the need to. He didn't.

Whitworth visited TX and also stays unbeaten, knocking off TX Lutheran 78-64 Fri, and Southwestern (TX) 73-57. I saw all of the first game. I hadn't seen Bulldog coach Mel Dixon before. I'm not a big fan of any coach who complains *every* time a foul or a possession went against his team - especially when he/she is playing at home. After a while, the refs just ignored him. (In fact, the TLU game day event manager, sitting in a chair in the corner, nearly got himself T'd up, which was also pretty funny. Isn't it his job to maintain order?)    :)      LOTS of fouls called. Way too many. And most were unfavorable to Whitworth. Still, Helen Higgs remained cool as a cucumber throughout. I don't know what has happened to SR Jessica Kramer, since her game-winning putback vs Eastern Oregon. Did she decide to retire on a good note? Because she hasn't played one second since. And the Bucs really miss her. The Pirates had major foul trouble to their already-undersized starters at the 4/5, Katara Belton-Sharp and Faith Emerson, as well as SR G Kendra Knutson. This forced Higgs to *have* to play two classy veterans that, God bless them, really don't have a lick of offensive basketball ability between them: JoJo Nicolas and Briann Maley. You'll get a little D and a few boards from them. That's about it. I felt like I was watching TX Lutheran with a two-man advantage vs Whitworth, in a hockey game. But it was basketball. 5 Bulldogs vs 3 Pirates.

Nip and tuck the whole way, it was still just a 4-pt Buc lead, at 62-58, with 4:39 to go. Surely an area of eternal comfort for Coach Higgs in a foul-fest, road game like this is that, sooner or later, her team will also get into the bonus, and start shooting free throws. And even though TX Lutheran went a blistering 20-24 from the line, predictably, Whitworth sank all of their last 10, as part of a game-ending, 16-6 Buc run. Their best player, JR KC McConnell (and a lock for 1st team All-NWC), was fantastic in the win, scoring 23 points in a season-high 33 minutes. Also co-starring was their only other starter not in foul trouble, G Lexie Zappone. Not normally a huge scorer, Zappone stepped up in a major way, adding 18 points, including 3 clutch 3-balls (usually Belton-Sharp's forte), to keep the Bulldog D honest, in a season-high 34 minutes. Knutson added 12, despite her foul trouble. Higgs' also has her own "Dacia Heckendorf-type" player, in 5'8" JR Alexis McLeod. A top defender for Higgs, McLeod chipped in with 7 points, but most importantly gave Whitworth 23 key minutes during the "emergency, patchwork" lineup of her, McConnell, Zappone, Nicolas and Maley. All munchkins out there - 5 guards, basically. I still have no clue how Whitworth managed to tread water with TX Lutheran - an NCAA team last year, with all of their players back, including a skilled 6'4" post. Against a team/coach that *really* wanted the W that day. On the road. With those five particular players. And for as long as Higgs had to keep them in there. But they did. I saw it with my own eyes. No wonder Higgs gave Nicolas and Maley specific postgame props. Nicolas, who surely has *the* worst shooting form I've ever seen, somehow managed to snag 7 boards, all while playing the 5 spot for Whitworth, at 5'8".

Sat, it was the Pirates Vs. The Pirates, as Whitworth traveled to Southwestern (TX). KC McConnell exploded for 28 points. Normally known for her mid-range game, she nailed 6 3-pointers. Zappone and Emerson chipped in with 10. Leading just 40-35 at the half, a McConnell 3-ball with 14:51 to go grew the Buc lead to 51-39, and Whitworth (6-0) was able to maintain a double-digit lead the rest of the way. 

This is exactly what Whitworth is. Two years ago. And last year. And again this year. Always way too short. Never nearly enough overall talent. Then they win a big game. Must be a fluke. Then they win another big game. Then another. After a while, you just have to give up, shake your head and give the Whitworth WBB program your complete respect. Ask Michael Meek. Ask Michelle Ferenz. Heck, I never even heard of Helen Higgs until just a couple of years ago. And the W-L records at Whitworth over her first 18-19 years looked pretty average. Well I don't know what was happening back then. But all I know is watching her teams play these days is pretty darn impressive to watch. I always feel like I'm watching an underdog. But an underdog that almost always wins. They seem to defy logic! Weird.......

Puget Sound (7-0) also stayed undefeated, winning twice in a round-robin tourney held at two different venues in WA. The Loggers squeaked past the Banana Slugs of UC-Santa Cruz, 53-51. Amanda Forshay, Katy Ainslie and sub Allie Wyszynski scored 10 each. UPS led by 8 at the half, the Slugs cut the lead to just 1 with 2:06 to go, but got no closer. A Santa Cruz 2-pt jumper at the buzzer accounted for the final margin. The Loggers had a much easier time of it Sat, trouncing winless Colorado College 94-45. Forshay led the way with 21, with Emily Sheldon adding 20. The Loggers wrap up their non-conference schedule (and 2014) with two home games: Evergreen St. (NAIA) on 12/10, and Cal Lutheran on 12/20. And while their pre-season SOS hasn't remotely approached that of either George Fox or Whitworth, this veteran squad has met every challenge thus far.

Whitman (4-3) was trying for their first-ever win over perennial NAIA DI (scholarship division) power Lewis-Clark State (ID), on Sat in Walla Walla. The Missionaries played as well as I've seen them play all season, by far, managing to get it to into OT, before falling to the Warriors (11-1) in the extra session, 72-65.

I was by far the most pleased to see the return to form of Hailey Ann Maeda. The top frontcourt reserve for Whitman during last year's run to the NCAA final, Maeda, to be polite, had basically been MIA so far in '14-'15. But that all changed tonight. The 5'10" JR posted a double-double, with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks, in a season-high 32 minutes. 5'9" SO G Chelsi Brewer added 13 off the bench, in a season-high 28 minutes. Brewer finally got minutes. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!! SR Heather Johns added 10, but after scoring 8 points early, was then totally shut down by the highly skilled, stingy L-C State defense. Down 3 in the final seconds, Whitman's designed 3-point shot, for either Alysse Ketner or Chelsi Brewer broke down, forcing JR Hailie McDonald to heave up a trey from the far right corner. Her shot clanged off the rim, then bounced up, then circled around the rim and somehow fell through, to force the extra session. But the Warriors outscored Whitman 11-4 in the OT, marking the second time in 7 games this season where Whitman would play 5 extra minutes, but then fall short in OT.

This game was fantastic experience for FYs Emily Rommel and Hawaii native Casey Poe (last name pronounced (Po-A'). I've been waiting for the inevitable time when Coach Ferenz realizes that her SRs not named Johns need to see far less time in games. She's been *much* slower to come around to this thinking than is logical, to be honest. But I think, for her, that the light may finally have come on in OT. After Gray and Buse had combined for their third successive basic skill error early in OT, after the third one, Ferenz finally took a deep, deep breath, pulled Gray, and put Poe in the game. Michelle had to do it. Man, she did *not* want to. But still, she waited too long. Hey, coach is only human. But she's thinking about the person here - a person she cares about - who's given her four years - and not viewing this solely as a basketball player. Coaches just can't coach that way, and be at their best. It's like being a doctor, and trying to operate on your child. Not a good idea. The heart is involved. The only sad part was, by then, Whitman was already too far behind in the OT. Poe is 5'10". She may even be taller. She is rail thin. Long arms. Ferenz is already using Casey as her "good D player" on her late game, O/D switches. But this time, she put Poe in at the 3 spot. Perfect. Although Poe's always played guard in HS, this move will work well. She can play there effectively. She will surely make mistakes. Lots of them. She will learn from them. My only issue now is that Casey's learning curve will be bleeding more into the important NWC games than it honestly had to.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on December 16, 2014, 10:42:20 PM
Yeah, thanks.
Now that football season is over I just got caught up in FemBall thanks to you.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on December 20, 2014, 06:30:20 PM
Thanks, D.O.C.. Congrats on Linfield making the DIII football Final Four, and for giving the "Warhawk Dynasty" all they could handle!

Willamette (4-4) defeats Wheaton (MA) (5-3), 65-57, in Honolulu. The Lyons were somehow 4th in the latest Top 25's "others receiving votes" category. That said, I would've been stunned if Wheaton won this game. My godson attended Wheaton last year, so I happen to be quite familiar with that team. And like I said in an earlier post, the Bearcats are on the rise. Congrats to Coach Peg Swadener. Two of their losses are to Montclair St and NAIA DI power Montana St-Northern, and a third came on a Jordyn Peacock buzzer-beater vs. Concordia (OR).

The 'Cats are not at all deep. And of their top three (all guards), two are seniors (JoJo DeLong and Katie Kalugin). The other is a RS FR who I loved early on last year (Kylie Towry), but then she got injured and missed the rest of the year. She's back, and averaging 13.5ppg. Towry will surely be the team's backbone, looking ahead. But as my best coaching buddy/mentor would often say to me, "you only really need three *players* to win." And that's exactly what Willamette has this year. Going forward, the legacy of DeLong and Kalugin will be that they helped this long-struggling program finally at least get back to respectability. So I root for those two to get as many W's as possible, during their last go-round. It's still looking like a 5th in the league finish to me (their best in forever.) But next year and beyond largely depends on recruiting (they could really use some size, but the same goes for 90% of all DIII schools, right?), and which among a slew of young players emerge, step up, start producing, and how soon they do so. SO Alex Wert, FR Whitney Anderson and pint-sized PGs Savanna Steele (SO) and Ashley Evans (FR) are likely getting their best chances to do so right now. We'll see.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on December 30, 2014, 04:15:49 AM
Whitworth (9-0) wrapped up the women's NWC non-conference schedule with a 77-61 home win Tuesday night, vs. the Northwest (WA) Eagles (8-5, 2-2 in the NAIA's Cascade Conference). SR Katara Belton-Sharp had a season-high 29; KC McConnell 16; Lexie Zappone 13. Typical Buc effort. For long stretches every game, Whitworth can look absolutely ordinary, and even downright un-impressive as a team. But not to worry. Helen Higgs always coaches the first half of games waiting for the fun part - the second half. She never shows her opponents any of her team's best offensive or defensive sets early, content to run her standard motion offense and man defense, unless/until she needs to "put the hammer down". The Pirates came out sluggish in the 2nd half tonight, and a 6-pt halftime lead quickly became a 5-pt deficit, just 5 minutes in. Whitworth TO. Suddenly, here comes their lethal full-court pressure, which *always* produces numerous steals/turnovers, and their 3 best plays on O are run. These are very reliable point producers and are used sparingly, kept in reserve for when they are most needed. Then, in the blink of an eye, here's that usual 14-0 Whitworth run, and they simply extended the lead out from there. An opponent may beat Helen Higgs, but they will *never* out-coach her - ever. Her girls are human, though. They missed 11 FTs tonight. I don't think the Pirates, as a team, had missed 11 FTs all season before tonight (only a slight exaggeration.) I *love* the idea of having one last non-conference game, just before NWC play. The other league teams should take Higgs' cue on that as well. Holidays/finals/lack of games can make a team rusty. And Whitworth was. But better it show up tonight, instead of playing key league games "cold turkey", after a long stretch of being idle. Here's this weekend's lid-lifter NWC matchups:

Friday, 1/2:      George Fox (9-0) at Linfield (6-3)
                       Whitworth (9-0) at Willamette (5-4)
                       Whitman (5-4) at Lewis & Clark (3-6)
                       Pacific (OR) (4-5) at Pacific Lutheran (3-6)
                       Puget Sound: IDLE                                     


Saturday, 1/3: Puget Sound (9-0) at George Fox
                       Whitworth at Lewis & Clark
                       Whitman at Willamette
                       Pacific (OR) at Linfield
                       Pacific Lutheran: IDLE

I suspect that the teams with the better overall records will prevail Friday, with the exception of Pacific Lutheran. Last year the Lutes always fought hard while their games were close (as was best shown when they shockingly came to within an eyelash of toppling then-unbeaten Whitman, in Walla Walla. They led the entire game, before the cold-shooting Missionaries finally managed to tie it up in the waning seconds of regulation, and then prevailed in OT. But once they fell behind in a game by double-digits, however, PLU would quickly lose interest last season, in the games I saw.) I don't see that happening Friday, however, as I expect the Boxers of Pacific (OR) to bring up the rear in the NWC this season, in large part due to their best scorer from last year (JR Olivia Mayorga-Overtone) not being a part of this year's squad. Coach Sharon Rissmiller is certainly missing her basketball talents early on, although a very soft pre-season schedule (until an Alaska trip last weekend) had hidden that fact a bit.

We must wait until Saturday to get our first two "tasty" NWC matchups, as likely-still-unbeaten George Fox will host unbeaten Puget Sound in Newberg. OR, in the game of the day. I do see the Bruins winning there. However, I think the Whitman at Willamette game could be a very tight one - recent history be damned. I currently rank Whitman #4 in the NWC "power rankings", with Willamette right behind, at #5. Personally, the allocation of Coach Ferenz' 14-15 player minutes has baffled me all season. And she's remained 100% committed to these under-achieving Day 1 rotations through all 9 games. As a result, Whitman's current record is 5-4, when it should honestly have been 7-2, in the worst case scenario. To me, the wounds were self-inflicted.       

Their last game, a home loss to Corban, was a total head scratcher. I do know that over the summer, Michelle's husband Chris went from being the boys asst. BB coach, to getting the girl's head coach gig at Walla Walla HS. Which is great for the Ferenz family, since their twin daughters, SR Mikayla (who's got a DI scholly to play at Idaho) and Kate, get to spend their last year playing for their dad. But Chris, who's also a math teacher at the HS, was also able to assist Michelle at Whitman in recent years, when time allowed. And not for every game, as both teams often play on Fridays. I do know for sure that Chris Ferenz was *very* popular with the Whitman players. And I haven't seen Chris on the Whitman bench once all season. He's clearly as busy as a son-of-a-gun. All I'm saying is that him apparently not being able to at least pop in over at Whitman once or twice a week certainly hasn't helped Michelle any.   

So if we see more of the "same old, same old 14-15 Whit rotations" vs. Willamette, I fully expect JoJo Delong and Peg Swadener to send the Missionaries on the bus back home to WA with another loss - one they absolutely cannot afford to absorb, at this point, if they're still thinking about another NCAA bid. I feel absolutely terrible for Heather Johns. The girl is so talented, so clutch, and so competitive. During the past two seasons, her team's solid play has clearly fueled and inspired her to play at her very best. Well there's been very little of that "spark" to be found so far. At either end of the 14-15 candle. And for those thinking that a Johns-led Whitman team could still "turn on the switch" when it's most needed, and start to play at a much higher level, well it's basically now or never for the 14-15 Missionaries.     

As to Whitman, my 14-15 gut feeling on them has changed. The Corban loss did it for me. I now think we've already seen the Whitman team that we're gonna see all year - much as I'd love to be wrong about that. And that George Fox and Whitworth will be carrying the banner for the NWC late this season. No shame in that. They're both highly skilled, well coached, well deserved teams, who can both go deep in the NCAA tourney. I can't recall a time when I felt that there were *two* NWC teams that have such deep potential runs in them. And I'm thrilled to see that Puget Sound is getting some DIII Top 25 love, and will likely get an NCAA bid. Loree Payne is a sharp cookie, and has put much time and effort into her program in recent years. And they're had more than their share of "being 4th best in a 3-bid NCAA league" of late. The DIII polls have had both of the top NWC teams *far* too low all season. How many more times does an NWC team have to make the DIII FF before the pollsters finally reflect this reality in Nov/Dec? I know it's not evil or anything. The NWC is up in OR and WA. Few know of them, few see them, and fewer still even try to. All I can say is, "streaming video is your friend!" I live in New England, and I honestly feel like the NWC is right outside my doorstep! I just love good DIII WBB. And I can watch my NWC later on, my NESCAC games earlier, and then the "DIII best of the rest", whenever, all from the comfort of my laptop - for free. The distance is no excuse anymore!    :) 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 01, 2015, 11:46:50 PM
In reviewing the non-conference results in attempt to get an idea of how conference play will I go, here are my conclusions.

The top 4 teams will be the familiar names (in alpha order) of George Fox, Puget Sound, Whitman, and Whitworth. The order they will finish is less clear to me. I think that Whitman is the least likely to win the conference regular season of the 4, but I think the other three will all be in the hunt for sure.

I also don't believe there is an obvious bottom team of the other five, but I don't see any of them threatening the four teams listed above. Willamette's improvement will make them competitive, but I'm not ready to declare them the favorite to finish in 5th place. I think that Linfield, Pacific, Lewis and Clark, and Pacific Lutheran can all give Willamette trouble on the Bearcats home court.

To me, the biggest shift in the conference from recent years is that Lewis and Clark will be battling the bottom half of the conference for respectability, rather than vying for a conference crown. The NWC continues to be one of the strongest conferences in the country and the teams that come out at the top of the standings in February will be ready to go to the tournament and continue the good showings of NWC teams in the past.

Here's to the opening weekend and that all teams will be healthy and ready to play.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 03, 2015, 06:18:33 AM
Good to see your post, BruinFan! Hope you are well.

But come on, my friend. Can't you go out on a limb, at least a little bit, as to the NWC teams? Of course you're right about the league having a clear Top 4 and a clear bottom 5. That is obvious. But to allege that teams 5 thru 9 remain equally strong today, nearly halfway through the season, when some teams played easy pre-season schedules, and others went more difficult? And that its consequences have had no impact on them, here in January? To me, it sounds like you're trying to just stay neutral, respect everyone, so as not give George Fox's future NWC opponents any possible bulletin board material. Hey, I'm not saying "talk smack" or anything. I also very much respect every NWC team. I'm not looking to hurt anybody, either. But that doesn't mean I won't offer up honest opinions on what I've seen after watching NWC teams play, be it good and bad. And I'm not gonna always be right. But that's what forums like this are for, no?    :)

That said, the Bruins are your team, BruinFan. And they've been *really* impressive so far. You must be very pleased, optimistic, and harbor high hopes for a long NCAA run, come March. And while I do keep a pretty close eye on all NWC teams myself, you have far more insight on the 14-15 Fox squad than I do (or any other regular NWC poster, for that matter.) What do you think? What do you like most about your team so far? Surprises? Concerns? Who among the other top NWC teams worry you the most? You can't honestly expect us to believe that Bruin partisans have already forgotten that Whitworth was the club that knocked Fox out of the both the league tourney and the NCAAs last year, and that you guys view playing the Bucs and, say Puget Sound, equally? Because I don't believe that. To me, George Fox and Whitworth look to be on a collision course. They will likely play each other 4 times again this season. That's a big part of what makes sports fun to watch - the rematches, and the added dynamic those bring. I very much value your opinion, BruinFan. So would you consider sharing your honest feelings about your team? it's good for the soul, and we all benefit from your "expert" insights!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 03, 2015, 08:35:23 AM
All 4 road teams prevailed in Friday's (1/2/15) NWC openers:

-George Fox 68, Linfield 58: The Bruins far more intense, pressing 2014-15 team defense forced 13 1st-half Wildcat TO's, but cold 29% shooting by Fox combined with Linfield hitting 4-5 of their early 3-pt attempts, to knot the halftime score at 29. But GFU warmed up to 48% shooting in the 2nd, while generating 16 additional Linfield turnovers. JR F Justine Benner had 21, SR G Jami Morris had 12, and SR F Lauren Codling had her third double-double of the season for the Bruins (10-0, 1-0 NWC), who also shot a blistering 22-24 at the line in the victory. Three Wildcats posted double figures: SO G Quincey Gibson had 15, JR C Jessica McMillan hit for 12, while RS FR F Amantha Hood chipped in with 11 for Linfield (6-4, 0-1 NWC).

-Whitworth 68, Willamette 48: SR F Jessica Kramer scored a career-high 19 points to lead the Bucs (10-0, 1-0 NWC). 13 minutes in, with the score 16-all, The Pirates ended the opening stanza with a 14-2 run, jumping out front by a dozen at the break. Another 10-2 Whitworth run began the second half, making the score 40-20, and Helen Higgs' team coasted to the win. JR G Lexie Zappone (15 pts) and SR F Katara Belton-Sharp (13 pts) continue to perform, at minimum, at 2nd-team all-NWC levels for Whitworth. Star SR G JoJo DeLong (16 pts) was the lone double-figure scorer for Willamette (5-5, 0-1 NWC).

-Whitman 64. Lewis & Clark 48: SO G Chelsi Brewer came of the bench to score 11 points in just 18 minutes, on 5-6 shooting, during the Missionaries' (6-4, 1-0 NWC) easy win. SR G Heather Johns also added 11 points in the victory. With 12 minutes and change left in the opening half, a layup by SO F Ayisat Afolabi gave the Pios an early 11-7 advantage. But Whitman then reeled off the next 15 points, and ended the half leading 28-18. The first 4 minutes of half #2 saw the Missionaries score the first 12 points, to extend the lead to 40-18. A layup by SO G Alysse Ketner stretched the Whit lead to its largest, 29, at 59-30, with 7:19 left. Coach Michelle Ferenz then cleared her bench, and the L&C regulars were able to cosmetically reduce the deficit down to just 16 by the final horn. Afolabi finished with 22 pts off the bench, on 10-14 shooting, but no other player for the Pioneers (3-7, 0-1 NWC) scored more than seven in defeat.

-Pacific (OR) 56, Pacific Lutheran 51: SR G Nani Ostrom scored a career-high 19 points in the Boxers win. Pacific jumped out to a quick early lead, which got as high as 12, at 28-16, on an Ostrom 3-ball with 3:36 to go in the half. But a late triple by Lute JR G Megan Abdo narrowed the Pacific Lutheran (3-7, 0-1 NWC) halftime deficit to 7, at 30-23. Pacific was able to maintain a narrow second half lead until, at 40-35 Boxers, the Lutes put together an 8-0 run, at 6:17, on two straight PLU hoops by SO G Lacey Nicholson (13 points total), to give her team a short-lived 43-40 lead. But another Ostrom trey immediately got Pacific even again at 43, starting a late, 13-0 Boxer run of their own, and their lead was restored to 10, 53-43, with 3:04 to go. Pacific (5-5, 1-0 NWC) then held on for the 5-point win. SO F Sarah Curl (12) was the only other Boxer in double figures.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 03, 2015, 12:32:23 PM
d3wwbbfan, you give me too much credit regarding my knowledge. I did pretty much give my honest opinion in the previous post.

It sounds very boring, but I don't believe that GFU, WW, UPS, or WM will drop more than a combined total of 4 games to the other 5 schools.  I believe the other 5 schools will beat each other up such as Pacific winning at PLU last night and that the last place team will find a way to go no worse than 4-12 while going 0-8 against the top 4. I think that Linfield is solid and the most likely to finish in 5th and I would not be surprised to see Lewis and Clark tumble to last place.

The fan base at George Fox is still getting used to the new normal without Lewis and Clark. You know how rivalries continue even during the years when the game is not competitive? That is the case between GFU and LC. There was a run of 3-4 years where the games were so bitterly contested that beating LC is still the most satisfying feeling for the GF faithful. That will eventually fade with a new coaching staff and program at LC. The rivalry used to be PLU when they had a fantastic coach, Gil Rigell, in the late 90's and into this century. It then transitioned to UPS under their then head coach, Suzy Barcomb. Helen Higgs is the Dean of the NWC coaches and she seems like an old friend. I respect her and know her team is a threat, but I'm not too worked up about it. Some do not care for her bench style, but I think that is only because she is tall and loud - so easily seen and heard. What she says to players and officials is typical coach speak.
Whitman is a question mark to me and I expect they will get better as the conference season goes along.

The toughest games of the year will be the Whitworth/Whitman trip and that isn't new. It has always been a goal to get a split on that road trip. The sense of the challenge of defending the home court against those two teams is not any greater either than it has been over many years as well. I know you are looking for some big scoop, but it really is just another year in the NWC.

The UPS game makes me nervous tonight. The main advantage for the Bruins is having played last night, but I think UPS is ready to compete for the conference crown this year.

As to the Bruins roster, Codling amazes me. Her rebounding prowess is disproportional to her size. She is just such a competitor and has a way of getting to the basketball. It is a good thing, because the team lacks a dominant person with height. The player that would have filled that role last season and this one finally had to retire because of concussions. Fortunately, the team has more speed than in the past. They bring some great intensity off the bench. I am very happy for Nalaui as she has worked hard for the opportunity to play and is making the most of it with her aggressive play. Kimberly Frost is lightning fast and is fun to watch her zip around the court. Blizzard is a steady, calm hand at the point. Benner is strong on the dribble to the basket, but does have weaknesses that good coaches will look to exploit. Morris sometimes disappears in a game and then all of sudden will hit a pair of three's to ignite the team. Heckendorf is a positive solid senior leader willing to take a second team role that gives them a spark.

Let's see ... concerns?  Free throw shooting is not consistent. How will they do against a team that handles their pressure and doesn't turn the ball over leading to easy baskets?

d3wbbfan, Saturday conference games start at 7 PM EST this year.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 04, 2015, 11:36:02 AM
Thanks for your very thoughtful reply, BruinFan. It was perfect. And I can especially appreciate the fact that your team has played at a very high level for a very long time, and that interest in your long-standing hoop rivalries with the Loggers and LC (who've bucked the nationwide "incorporate silver" trend by chucking theirs, and are sporting new white home unis this year. Weird look. The Pios look like Syracuse now, teamed with their orange kicks!) I love tradition, so I'm pleased high interest in those games continue among the GF alums/fan base. These schools are also much closer to you geographically. I do understand the that the two Whit schools are a 4 to 7 hour bus trek away (realizing some NWC teams opt to fly there) from the other 7 member schools, at the very eastern end of the NWC. It's unlikely that Fox ever played either of the Whits with any regularity until the mid-to-late 1990's (after the Bruins' transition from the NAIA and the birth of the NCAA DIII NWC, although I know Whitman was also an NAIA school, until they also switched to NCAA affiliation around then.) Surely when you've been playing certain schools for 75 years +, memories/emotions of past epic battles run deep.

And no, I wasn't looking for "big scoop" from you. Not at all. You're right - it is "just another season." All I was hoping for was your typical New Years' take on your team. Man, you're 100% right about Codling. She is just *so* darn thin. But she somehow manages to use this to her advantage. She must have steel girders for bones - she is so strong. She cannot be displaced, has great hands, is nimble, has superb touch and footwork, can jump like a kangaroo, and possesses consistently excellent timing, as to rebounds/blocked shots. As far as who had to retire with concussions, you mean Megan Hays, right? Such a shame. I know what you mean about Morris (she did pick up 3 walking violations vs Puget Sound Sat., while un-pressured out on the perimeter, which did throw her off a bit.) But I've seen just about every 14-15 Bruin game so far (expect for the Hawaii trip-no streaming), and I've seen far fewer of those for Jami than I recall during her SO/JR years. We all know she can hit 3's. But she's also driving the lane effectively now. Was that always part of her arsenal on O? I love Blizzard and I *really* love Heckendorf. Coming off the bench, she knows/can instruct the other 4 pups she's in with exactly where they are supposed to be every single second. And she can play any of the 5 spots well. Dacia is worth her weight in gold!!!!!!! You're also 100% right about Benner, but unfortunately, the other top NWC teams already *do* know how to not allow Justine to get into her offensive comfort zone. And it's a shame that she didn't appear to work on diversifying her post-move arsenal at all over the summer. I think she's still a 3-spot player in her heart, but is playing 4/5 100% to help out Coach and her team. Do you know what happened to Kennedy Hobert the past few games? She's been DNP. I loved what I saw from her early - she's gotta be hurt.

BruinFan, there are only two 2014-15 DIII women's teams I've seen that can legitimately go 12 deep, with minimal skill drop-off. Amherst (MA) and George Fox. Now that doesn't mean either of you guys will win it all, as that can bring with it other complications, like where do you find the minutes for everyone, and how you do keep kids in long enough to "get into the game flow". But I'd still wanna be either one of you guys, because your two teams can best weather the injuries/foul trouble that are always just a heartbeat away, over the course of a season. That's a *huge* insurance policy for you. For instance, the now-SR laden, 13-14 FF team Tufts (MA) may have just lost their 40-mpg, 4-yr starter at PG (Kelsey Morehead) for the year, to injury. Sat., their coach plugged in a FY for 35+ min, and had to hope for the best. (She did OK, but will she handle the Bruin press? I truly doubt it.) 98% of top DIII teams can't expect to overcome a core player injury, and still expect to survive/advance come March. But, heaven forbid you lost Blizzard (or any starter), you've got two/three different player options per spot, and your results honestly wouldn't suffer all that much.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 04, 2015, 02:57:44 PM
Thanks to both NWC live streaming and on-demand, I was able to watch all three of the Saturday, 1/3/15 contests where video was offered, even though the games were all happening at the same time. (Which I much prefer to dissecting box scores; I need to see teams play with my own eyes.) Here are the recaps, with the home team asterisked:

-*George Fox 77, Puget Sound 55: SR F Lauren Codling continued her sterling overall play of late, posting her second straight double-double (20 rebounds; 10 points), while also stuffing the stat sheet with 7 assists, 5 blocks and 3 steals, in leading the Bruins to a convincing win over the Loggers, in a battle of previously undefeated teams. SR G Jami Morris (18 points) and SR F/6th-man Dacia Heckendorf (11 points) each hit a trio of 3-pointers, while SO G Kylie Dummer added 11, to round out the high scorers for George Fox (11-0, 2-0 NWC). SR C Katy Ainslie was the lone player in double-figures for Puget Sound (9-1, 0-1 NWC). Fox led from the very start, with a jumper by SO G Kimberly Frost providing their first double-digit lead less than 8 minutes in, at 22-12. After a jumper by Logger FR G Katie Vold made it 35-25 Fox with 7:58 to go, the Bruins strung together a 10-0 run over the next 5:00, capped by a 3-pointer by SO F Kaycee Creech, pushing the Bruin advantage out to 20. It was 47-28 at halftime. One of the deepest teams in DIII, 11 different Bruins saw minutes in the first half. A 10-2 Bruin run to begin the 2nd half, capped by two Heckendorf FTs, extended the Fox lead to 57-30 with 17:56 to go, basically deciding things. GFU connected for 10 3's total, and had a 49-34 advantage on the glass.

-Whitworth 52, *Lewis & Clark 35: The Pirates (11-0, 2-0 NWC) survived shooting just 31% to remain unbeaten. The Bucs both began and ended the half with 7-0 runs, managing to work around all the missed FGs by connecting on 12-13 at the FT line early, to grab a comfortable 33-14 halftime lead. And although the Pirates and Willamette lead the league in total 3-ptrs made, rookie Pio coach Asha Jordan decided to roll the dice, gambling that Whitworth's frigid shooting would continue, and switched to a 2-3 zone that could better exploit her team's size advantage, and is something that the undersized, normally-sharpshooting Bucs rarely see. The ploy worked for LC. Whitworth did remain cold from deep, making just two 2nd half 3's, while also now finding the going inside the paint to be quite congested. They got to the FT line just 5 times (making all 5) and scored only 4 2-pt hoops, for a total of 19 2nd half points. The downside for the Pios (3-8, 0-2 NWC) was that they could muster just 21 points themselves, making no real dent in their deficit. SR F Katara Belton-Sharp led WU with 16, while JR G KC McConnell tallied 15. SO F Ayisat Afolabi posted 18 off the bench for the Pios, while FR F Lauren Wood added 10. In an unusual stat, none of the other four LC starters scored even a single point, going 0-9 in total, and 0-7 from 3.

-Whitman 71, *Willamette 40: The Missionaries got the early jump on the Bearcats, scoring the game's first 11 points inside of the first 4:00, and cruised to the road win. Willamette shot just 5-30 (16.7%) in the opening stanza, contributing mightily to their 29-14 halftime deficit. In the second, Whitman (7-4, 2-0 NWC) was able up to double up the score 3 different times, at 50-25, 60-30, and 66-33. SR G Heather Johns led the Missionaries with 16, while also holding Bearcat SR G JoJo DeLong to just 4 points (more than 10 pts below her 14.5ppg season avg.) JR F Hailey Ann Maeda added 14, while SR F Hallie Buse chipped in with 11, including 3 3's, in by far her best scoring effort this season. Both scoring leaders for Willamette (5-6, 0-2 NWC) were FR off the bench: G Ashley Evans with 11, and C Marisa Hamilton with 10.

-Pacific 76, *Linfield 54: (no video available; from the Box Score:) The hot-shooting Boxers (6-5, 2-0 NWC) shot 55% on the afternoon, to sweep their conference-opening road trip. After surrendering the game's first 4 points, a jumper by Pacific JR G Kyla Siri completed a 17-1 Boxer run, posting coach Sharon Rissmiller's team to an early 12-point lead. Later, a 3-ball by SR G Nani Ostrom with 2:09 to go in the half pushed the Pacific lead up to 20, at 37-17, before Linfield (6-5, 0-2 NWC) scored the final 5 before halftime. The Wildcats again scored the half's first 4 points, with a layup by FR G Paige Graham bringing Linfield back to within 11, at 37-26. But Linfield would get no closer, as over the next 3 minutes, another Ostrom triple capped an 11-2 Pacific run, restoring her club's 20-point bulge, at 48-28. SO F Sarah Curl lead all scorers with 22, including 4 3's. Ostrom finished with 18, while SR G Olivia Cook and SR F Abby Jones posted 11 each for Pacific. RS FR G Amantha Hood led Linfield with 12.

Only one game is on the NWC docket before next weekend. It'll be the "Battle Of The Whits, Part 1" on Tuesday, 1/6/15, as Whitworth hosts Whitman. Tip-off is at 6PM PST. And just so you have it handy, here's next weekend's NWC games:

Friday, 1/9/15:       Pacific Lutheran at George Fox
                              Linfield at Whitworth
                              Willamette at Puget Sound
                              Lewis & Clark at Pacific
                              IDLE: Whitman

Saturday, 1/10/15: George Fox at Willamette
                              Pacific (OR) at Puget Sound
                              Linfield at Whitman
                              Pacific Lutheran at Lewis & Clark
                              IDLE: Whitworth
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 07, 2015, 12:35:25 AM
Tonight in Spokane, the first Whitman/Whitworth matchup in conference play could be described one of two ways: either as an intense defensive struggle, or as a turnover-fest for both teams. Somewhere between those two descriptions is probably most accurate, with the Pirates (12-0, 3-0 NWC) managing to stay unbeaten, 59-52. Tonight's win now ties Whitworth WBB's best previous start in school history, which came back in 2004-05.

The Missionaries turned the ball over a whopping 26 times, while the Bucs were guilty of 20 themselves. I'd say about 75% of them occurred "between the circles" - in the middle of the floor - as pass after pass was intercepted by the other club, after numerous attempts to navigate up the floor, via dribble, found pick-pocketers aplenty to foil those plans as well. Yes, it was 40 minutes of ugly, but quality swarming defense from both teams (which it was) will often make for that type of game. Always an intense rivalry, the fact that both teams have gone to the NCAAs each of the past two years, that Whitworth was the team going in undefeated this year (as opposed to the Missionaries, who started off 26-0 last year, before the Bucs knocked the M's off in the NWC final), and are again both harboring expectations for yet another NCAA bid, the intensity of this contest was simply off the charts, from start to finish. And with both teams still adjusting to playing some new "prime time personnel" (after each lost 3 starters from a year ago), each of the Whits have been hanging their hat on defense. It looked like both teams thought their best chance to score on the other was to employ dribble penetration, down the lane, and the tactic was employed early and often tonight, with good success. Whitman has been especially vulnerable to slashers all season long, with graduated 6-footers Sarah Anderegg and Meghan White no longer there to provide length and help defense. Whitworth has been undersized for some time now, and while their defenders are all very solid one-on-one, a defender can't stop everything, so if/when they do find themselves a step behind their man off the dribble, a big body down low just isn't there to save the day. So it's among their opponents' best chances to generate some points.

The difference tonight was fiery Pirate SR F Jessica Kramer. She posted 19 points, 13 rebounds, and she just seemed to be the one Buc who spent the entire game making one big play after another to help her team win. Much of the same could be also said about Whitman JR F Hailey Ann Maeda. A player with a history of playing well in big games, Maeda finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and a way-above-her-average 5-6 conversion rate at the FT line. Both players were absolute warriors for their teams in the paint, as that was surprisingly where most of the points came from tonight. After a 3-pointer by Whitman SR F Hallie Buse in the opening minutes, the teams would then combine to miss their next 22 attempts from deep (0-11 each), until just 3:27 remained in the game. Coming out of a Whitworth time out, with the Pirates leading by 1, 49-48, the Bucs ran a play to see of they could finally get their best long range sharpshooter, SR Katara Belton-Sharp, an open look. As I recall, it was only the second time all game that Whitman had momentarily lost track of her. Top of the key. Wide open. Belton-Sharp drains it, and it's 52-48 Whitworth. The teams then trade baskets, and it's 54-50 Bucs with 1:32 left. Belton-Sharp again spots some daylight, this time from the far right corner, and she connects again, for three more of her 12 total points, extending her team's lead to 7, at 57-50. A late Maeda layup and two FTs by SR G Kendra Knutson accounted for the 59-52 final score.

Whitman SR Heather Johns added 16 for Whitman (7-5, 2-1 NWC), who shot 20-50 from the field as a team (40%), grabbed one more rebound than Whitworth (34-33), and shot 11-14 from the charity stripe. Whitworth went to the line over twice as often as the Missionaries did tonight, canning 21 of 30, while shooting 18-47 from the field, for 38%.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 11, 2015, 10:20:50 PM
No surprises in the second weekend of NWC play (home team is asterisked:)

Friday:
*Whitworth 77, Linfield 37: The homestanding Bucs tripled up the Wildcats early, at 27-9 just 11 minutes in, and coasted to the easy win. JR F KC McConnell led the Pirates with 23 pts, while JR G Lexie Zappone chipped in with 11. JR F Hannah Depew led Linfield with 12, while SO G Riley Graham scored 11. Whitworth dominated the glass, with a 50-29 advantage.

*George Fox 89, Pacific Lutheran 36: A 20-4 Bruin run in the game's first 7 minutes decided this one early in Newberg. SR G Jami Morris had 16, JR F Justine Benner had 15, JR G Sammy Naluai had 14 in 17 minutes off the bench, while SO G Kylie Dummer added 11. JR F Jori Hall led the Lutes with 13.

*Puget Sound 68, Willamette 43: A 10-0 Logger run midway through the second half broke open a close game, as Puget Sound ouscored the Bearcats 38-16 during the 2nd half, to pull away in Tacoma. SR C Katy Ainslie and SR F Amanda Forshay shared game-high honors with 15 each, while JR G Emily Sheldon scored 10. SR G Katie Kalugin led Willamette with 11, while RS FR Katie Towry hit 3 triples for 9.

Lewis & Clark 57, *Pacific (OR) 55 (OT): A 3-ptr by JR G Kaitllin Mathewson with 1:19 in the OT provided the margin of victory for the Pios. FR G Cianna Ochoco made 1-of-2 FTs to extend the LC lead to two with :13 to go, but a missed shot, an offensive rebound and two Boxer timeouts called in the waning seconds couldn't generate the equalizer. FR G Miyah Leith led Pio scorers with 11, while SR F Casey Zinn added 10 in the win, while SR G Nani Ostrom continued her run of great play with 14 points, with SR F Abby Jones contributing 12 for Pacific.

Saturday:
George Fox 78, *Willamette 54: The Bruins shot a blistering 56% from the field, while placing 5 in double-figures (Benner 21; SR F Lauren Codling 14; JR G Nicole Blizzard 13; Morris 12; Naluai 10), as Fox won going away in Salem, OR. Kalugin again led the Bearcats with 17, Towry added 5 more 3's for 15, while FR C Marisa Hamilton hit for a dozen.

*Puget Sound 71, Pacific (OR) 64: The Loggers trailed at home by as many as 8 early, before managing to pull even late in the opening half. But the Boxers fought back in the second, to reclaim a 9-point lead (52-43) on a Nani Ostrom 3 with 13:09 left. But a 10-1 UPS run over the next 4 minutes brought the home team back even at 53, on a layup by JR F Allie Wyszynski. But Puget Sound wasn't done. The run continued to 21-4, as Wyszynski added two more of her team-high 15 points, making the score 64-56 Loggers with 6:08 left, basically deciding the outcome. Forshay had 12, and Ainslie added 10. Five Boxers reached double figures in the loss: Ostrom 19; SR F Olivia Cook 13; SO F Sarah Carl & JR G Kyla Siri 11; SR G Kaila Johnson 10.

*Whitman 85, Linfield 61: SR All-America G Heather Johns scored a season-high 34 points, leading the Missionaries in Walla Walla. FR C Emily Rommel added 13, while SR F Hallie Buse continued the best run of consistent play in her 4-year career with 10 points. Depew again led the Wildcats with 21 on 9-18 shooting, with SR G Taylor Solomon tallying 11. Whitman vaulted to a 42-29 halftime lead, and grew their margin throughout half #2.

*Lewis & Clark 67, Pacific Lutheran 60: The Pios charged back from a 7-point halftime deficit to outscore the visiting Lutes by 14 in the second stanza, to claim the 7-point win in Portland. SO F Ayisat Afolabi led LC with 15, while JR F Sarah Anderson scored the majority of her 14 points in the 2nd half, to fuel the late Pio comeback. Leith added 10, and Mathewson 10. PLU was again led by Hall with 20, while JR G Megan Abdo chipped in with 11.

The upcoming week's NWC games are:

Tuesday:   Willamette (5-8; 0-4) at Lewis & Clark (5-8; 2-2)

Friday:       Whitman (8-5; 3-1) at George Fox (13-0; 4-0)
                 Whitworth (13-0; 4-0) at Pacific (OR) (6-7; 2-2)
                 Lewis & Clark at Puget Sound (11-1; 2-1)
                 Linfield (6-7; 0-3) at Pacific Lutheran (3-9; 0-3)
                 IDLE: Willamette

Saturday:  Whitworth at George Fox
                 Linfield at Puget Sound
                 Whitman at Pacific (OR)
                 Willamette at Pacific Lutheran
                 IDLE: Lewis & Clark
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 13, 2015, 07:27:13 PM
I believe in dwelling on the positive about DIII women's hoops. And I have been both aware and very impressed by NYU coach Lauren Hall-Gregory for years now, from back when she was an assistant. I knew she would quickly restore the Violets to their former status as annual NCAA participants. And she has. I have watched them three times so far this season. Can someone please educate me as to how NYU has been ranked higher (#8) than both George Fox (#10) and Whitworth (#15) all season? I'm not a betting man at all, but if Vegas had a line on an imaginary NYU vs. Bruins or Bucs game, I'd give 15 points to the Violets, even if the game was played in NYC, and it would be the easiest money I ever made.

I remember late last season, when the #1 team must've lost 5 weeks in a row, and the #2 team from LW was always moved up. But it wasn't until Whitman went from #2 to #1 (was it the very last week of the regular season?), when the D3 poll voters started splitting votes, with some clearly feeling the Missionaries were undeserving. Based on what, exactly? In the end, I'd say Whitman acquitted themselves fairly well in the NCAAs. Better than the 5 teams who were at #1 before them, who were all elevated without a peep of dissent...

I ask this in all sincerely, and not at all as a wise guy. Did someone in the NWC murder family members within the D3 poll voting community? Whitworth is *the* lowest ranked undefeated D3 WBB team in the nation. Why? And George Fox is two spots below NYU. Why? Both these clubs have played *far* more difficult schedules than have the Violets, and the NWC clearly has more quality teams/recent NCAA success as a league than has the UAA, with all due respect to Nancy Fahey/Wash U. By *any* rational metric, how is NYU better than either top NWC team? Here's NYU's 14-15 schedule so far: One UAA game (at Brandeis: W). Eight of their other 11 games have been at home (Plattsburg St/Staten Island/Emmanuel/Farmingdale St/Swarthmore/Wm Smith/Hunter), with only one opponent having a winning record: Western CT (9-3). Their three NC road victories were at St. Joseph's (LI) (4-9), and at Springfield and Brooklyn (each 8-5). And only the Pride (upset tourney champs) and Emmanuel (frequent league champs, but are down this year) made the NCAA's last year, IIRC.

I know the SID's often do the voting. And I know it can be difficult to gauge relative strength. My only point is that, in some instances, it is pretty darn obvious who's better than who, and to me, this is one time where that is the case. I clearly smell politics and self-interest present somewhere in the voting block. But I'm a realist, and I know that such "aromas" are found in most everything these days. I just wanted to make the point. Thanks to the D3hoops forum for giving me a place to do so. I feel better. Carry on!    :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 14, 2015, 01:26:32 PM
I think you are way overthinking it.

Half of Whitworth's schedule to date has been against non-Division III teams. That isn't going to do much for your Division III ranking. I'm pretty satisfied with where they are.

Something to keep in mind is that voters have to split their votes among three NWC teams, while there are really only two UAA teams getting a significant amount of voters' attention. Voters don't know who the best team in either conference is and won't until they start playing each other.

Similarly last year, Whitman played the majority of its non-conference schedule against non-Division III teams. Our voters are pretty evenly split between SIDs, coaches and media, but outside of our NWC voter, nobody is going to know whether Walla Walla or Eastern Oregon or Concordia-Portland or Corban College are any good because those schools don't play other Division III teams.

Last five NCAA tournaments: UAA 28-13. NWC 23-13.  I don't believe that stands up to "clearly" more tournament success. Pretty even.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on January 14, 2015, 02:49:26 PM
Yep, and that proximity holds up across the last 10 years, too. Per the conference guidebook (http://static.psbin.com/5/j/wq0ezc6p2j9azg/Conference-by-Conference.pdf)...

UAA: 64-31 (.674)
NWC: 40-19 (.678)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 14, 2015, 02:53:20 PM
That's what I pulled the data from. :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Cruz on January 14, 2015, 03:04:27 PM
I don't think the UAA has played many Tournament games against their own conference.  The Northwest Conference every year is placed into the same pool. Last year the NCAA placed three of the Northwest Conference teams into the same opening round group of four.  So the winning percentage numbers are not very telling as the Northwest Conference knocks out their own each year while the UAA rarely plays against their own until late in the tournament. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on January 14, 2015, 03:30:23 PM
Quote from: Cruz on January 14, 2015, 03:04:27 PM
I don't think the UAA has played many Tournament games against their own conference.  The Northwest Conference every year is placed into the same pool. Last year the NCAA placed three of the Northwest Conference teams into the same opening round group of four.  So the winning percentage numbers are not very telling as the Northwest Conference knocks out their own each year while the UAA rarely plays against their own until late in the tournament.

I'm fully aware. That's why I characterized the two groups, each with 13 losses, as "pretty even."
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 17, 2015, 12:00:05 PM
National Game of the Week is in the NWC today.
#10 George Fox (14-0) hosting #15 Whitworth (14-0) at 7 PM EST.
The winner deserves to be in the top 5 next week.

#14 Calvin (13-0) at #11 Hope (14-1) is also a big game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 18, 2015, 07:49:38 PM
I went to both of George Fox's games against the Whits.  D3wbbfan has already given so much detailed and incisive analysis that there's little to add, plus the scores speak for themselves.  So I have just a few miscellaneous observations.

Kimberly Frost looked like the fastest player to me.  However this seemed to be only when she dribbled with her right hand; I'd like to see how fast she can go using her left hand (and how well she can control the ball with her left hand).

Benner's excellence and her big game against Whitman were not surprises.  But somehow I had remained ignorant of the fact that Codling led the team in every other major category:  rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals per game.

Hailey McDonald didn't play for Whitman ... I think she was hobbling around with a cast on her foot?

Since I was going to both the Friday and Saturday games, I stayed in a nearby motel Friday night.  It turns out that's where Whitman and Whitworth stayed also; I didn't actually see Whitman but Whitworth had driven in on Friday so Saturday morning the motel was awash with Whitworth players and families (women's team only, I don't know if the men's team was staying there too).

And though it goes without saying, yeah George Fox is not just good, but deep.  They might have 8 or 9 players who could start for a lot of D3 teams.  Heckendorf literally was a starter, Naluai looked even better, and I was impressed with Frost.  Less so with Creech, but she comes off the bench before Frost does so Meek might value her contributions more.  For that matter, Miner and Jamieson looked good too, but in limited garbage minutes so I can't really evaluate.

These are pretty strong statement games.  Granted, George Fox still has to go play the Whits on the road (and UPS), but this looks like a team that will advance deep into the NCAA tournament.  I would venture, as d3wbbfan does, that they're underrated at #10.  But I have literally not seen any of the other 9 teams play (except for FDU-Florham in the finals last year) so I can't say for sure.


Whitworth and Whitman still look like strong teams, just not so much when compared to George Fox.  George Fox did some full-court pressing, and it did cause some problems for both teams, with some steals and 10-second violations, but one of the reasons why the NWC impresses me is that the players and teams have basketball skills and knowledge and can handle fullcourt pressure, double-teams, and traps.  (The one exception was the very first NWC game that I saw, when George Fox used their press to take control of the game against Lewis and Clark in their first meeting of the 2011-12 season -- but by the time they met again, Lewis and Clark handled it much better, although they ended up losing to the Bruins four times that season.  Yep, due to the familiar pattern of NWC teams being forced to play against each other in the early rounds of the NCAA tournament.)

Whitworth still goes out there with pretty much every player between 5'7" and 5'9" tall (except for 5'5" starter Kendra Knutsen, and 6 footer Faith Emerson gives them some height off the bench).  Same ferocious ball-hawking defense -- even though the George Fox game was a blowout in terms of the score, the turnovers were almost even 17-16 because even George Fox's players sometimes found themselves getting the ball stripped or tied up by aggressive quick-handed Whitworth defenders.  Alexis McLeod had a nightmarish game:  just 8 minutes, but 5 turnovers plus 0-1 shooting in those 8 minutes.  She seems to be the first or second player off the bench and was not such a high turnover player last year, so this must have been an aberration. 

For Whitman, Maeda continued her run of strong play.  Ketner's shooting less than 30% so far this season, but she also looked good against George Fox, to my eyes a continuation of her promising play as a freshman last year.  This is also a team that could win some games in the NCAA tournament, if they get an invite.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on January 23, 2015, 06:31:27 PM
Very nice article recognizing Scott Rueck's work at Oregon State:

http://espn.go.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12215329/oregon-state-beavers-oregon-ducks-put-state-oregon-back-hoops-map

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on January 24, 2015, 07:51:23 AM
Had the pleasure of watching both games involving Top 25 teams tonight: The top 2 in the UAA-unbeatens Wash U at NYU (won by the Violets), followed by the NWC's #3 Puget Sound (13-1) at #2 Whitworth (14-1) battle. I'm already on record about which '14-15 league my eyes tell me plays at a clearly higher level than the other, and Friday's viewings did nothing but re-re-confirm my opinion, so I will not belabor the point.

Man, was it ever a heavyweight battle in Spokane. Both teams acquitted themselves extremely well. I haven't seen a game all year where both teams made clutch shot after clutch shot, with in-position defenders right up on them. That's the NWC's "secret sauce" - they have three teams that can score against very high-quality D. To boot, I've never seen the league better, from top to bottom. I underestimated teams like Pacific (OR) and Lewis And Clark, based on limited, early non-conf glimpses. And Willamette, who beat two quality teams in Hawaii, and looked so solid I thought they could challenge for 5th, is still winless in conference! All credit goes to the hard-working players and coaches. Whitworth's recent drubbing at George Fox hasn't caused me to lose one bit of confidence in the Bucs, going forward. They also lost at George Fox last year during NWC play, and got smoked at home the first time they played Whitman. Against top teams, Helen Higgs saves most of her best stuff for the March games. Last weekend, GFU had payback on their minds vs the Pirates, and they got it in a big way. Even at "full throttle", Higgs & Co. may not have enough to topple the 14-15 Bruins, who've obviously looked great so far. But Whitworth did beat Fox the last three times a year ago, and she's especially tough in a winner-take-all game. They have four truly clutch players in McConnell/Zappone/Belton-Sharp/Kramer. And that's more than enough to beat anybody, on a given night. So I'm gonna reserve judgement, for now, on March NWC tourney/NCAA results. 

Back to UPS at Whitworth. The Loggers have size, and Whitworth never does, so Higgs started 5'8" JR Alexis McLeod tonight, in place of SR G Kendra Knutsen. An addition to size, McLeod also scores more. After a trey by SR Amanda Forshay (23 pts) began the scoring, Whitworth scored the next nine. The Buc first-half lead then varied between 4 and its first-half high-water mark of 14, at 41-27, on a Belton-Sharp layup with 4:00 left. But two early fouls each on Zappone, Kramer and McLeod forced Higgs into playing top sub Faith Emerson, Knutsen and seeing-more-minutes-of-late Jessica Thoens, a SO G, more than she would have normally. Although Whitworth shot 60% for the half, most of that came early, with the starters in, so having to sit them later in the half hurt the Bucs, as Puget Sound trimmed the deficit to 8 by halftime, at 47-39. 

Forshay only took 3 shots in the half, but they were all 3's, they all connected, and they were all important to keep Loree Payne's team in touch. They shot 48.3% for the half, with JR Emily Sheldon balancing out the 3's by providing 11 early, inside the paint points. The veteran poise and the quality depth of Puget Sound was a major plus for them all game. They start 3 experienced SR's (Forshay, C Katy Ainslie and PG Ashley Agcaoili), a JR (Sheldon) and a SO (Alexis Noren), but only George Fox can match UPS' quality depth in the NWC. With SRs Erin Stumbaugh, Hannah Lekson and 3-pt sharpshooter Olivia Roberts teaming with JR Allie Wyszynski, this team truly doesn't miss a beat when they are called upon. They've all been there, done that, and all four always see double-digit minutes. So much so, Roberts often replaces the pure PG Agcaoili in crunch time. For all these reasons, UPS was able to run their offensive sets more effectively, and with less total turnovers, than most other teams manage to against Whitworth's ballhawking pressure and always-stout team defense.

In the second half, Whitworth would stretch the lead out to nine. Then Puget Sound would cut it to three. Rinse. Repeat. Then, with just 3:30 to go, and the Pirates up 76-75, a rarity. 4 of the 7 total missed FTs in the game happened. Right in a row. Forshay had two chances to give the Loggers their first lead since 3-2, but she missed both. But then deadeye FT shooter Katara Belton-Sharp misses 2 in a row for Whitworth, before a Forshay FT line jumper finds the range, giving the Loggers both their final points and their lone 2nd-half lead, at 77-76, with 1:21 to go. Next, the play of the game. With the shot clock down to :05, Zappone sees no one open. Although well guarded herself, she manages to create enough space to launch her only 3-pt attempt of the game. Left side, top of the key. Although she's just 30% from beyond the arc all year, I swear, Lexie's gotta be 90% when the Bucs absolutely have to have it. Swish. 79-77 Whitworth. :56 to go. Forshay then drives the left side of the lane, intending to feed the open shooter in the corner for 3. But then she thought maybe she should shoot it herself, and try to tie it back up. But she obviously travelled, trying to process it all. I felt bad for her. She played a heck of a game. Coach Payne went for the steal, but they couldn't get it, so they then had to foul Whitworth in the last minute. Which is the kiss of death. Of course, Zappone hits 2 of 2 (despite being iced by a TO) with :25 to go, and McConnell then drills 2 of 2 with :10 to go. 83-77 final. McConnell 28; SR Jessica Kramer hits another career high, 20, and has come out of nowhere this year to string together one great all-around game after another; Belton-Sharp 10. Besides Forshay's 23, Sheldon finished with 19. Ainslie played 24 foul-plagued minutes, but she was solid: 9 points, 7 rebounds. She has a nice mid-range touch, with an unorthodox, one hand push shot. All I know is that the shot's been going in against NWC teams for 4 years now. Roberts added 3 treys for the Loggers, for 9 also.

In other Fri. NWC games: Whitman 90, Pacific Lutheran 56; Linfield 66, Lewis And Clark 55; Pacific (OR) 60, Willamette 39.

On tap Sat: George Fox at Lewis & Clark; Pacific Lutheran at Whitworth; Puget Sound at Whitman; Linfield at Willamette

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 24, 2015, 12:03:31 PM
Quote from: gordonmann on January 23, 2015, 06:31:27 PM
Very nice article recognizing Scott Rueck's work at Oregon State:

http://espn.go.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12215329/oregon-state-beavers-oregon-ducks-put-state-oregon-back-hoops-map

Gordon, you beat my good intensions and posted the story - thank you. Scott spoke plainly about what he doing at OSU which is to replicate the philosophy he used at George Fox. He is now in his 5th season, but the connection remains strong between Coach Rueck and the George Fox community. We like to cheer for the Bruins, Beavers, and Blazers!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 25, 2015, 08:09:34 AM
I went to the George Fox @ Lewis & Clark game.  The first half was very close; the Lewis & Clark game recap says it's only the second time this season that George Fox has failed to end the first half with a lead.

But even at the time, I thought that Coach Meek was not quite putting the pedal all the way to the metal, playing his subs more than usual.  Even with George Fox's huge depth, there's still a bit of a drop-off from the starters.

The evidence for this strategy is that the Bruin bench collectively played 34 minutes in the first half.  And only 27 minutes in the second half, with some of those minutes being garbage time bench-clearing.

So I figured the second half would be the more telling of the two halves.  Indeed it was; although the George Fox offense was not super-impressive, they cranked up their defense several notches and the Pios had no answer.  New Pio coach Asha Jordan went through just about every guard on her bench trying to find players who could cope with the Bruins' defensive pressure, to no avail.  It was reminiscent of the very first NWC game that I saw three seasons ago, when George Fox's full-court pressure totally derailed the Lewis & Clark offense.

The Bruins' most effective presses seemed to be of two varieties:  they had initial success with a defense that was basically man to man rather than relying upon double-teams and traps.  So if a Pio player picked up her dribble or just in general was trying to pass out of the pressure, she found all of the potential receivers tightly guarded.

One solution to that problem is to dribble out of it, since there's only one defender guarding the ball-handler (although this defense did feature opportunities for the defenders to give help or double-team).  But after the Pios started doing that , the Bruins switched to a press where the inbounder was completely unguarded, and the fifth defender helped out on the two would-be ballhandlers who were trying to catch the inbounds pass. 

So forget about 10-second violations, the Bruins forced the Pios into a few 5-second violations -- they couldn't even get the ball inbounds.

I do expect that we will see Lewis and Clark react the same way they did three seasons ago:  devote practice time to learning how to break a full-court press, and handle it much better in the next game.  The Pios have a young roster; in Saturday's game the players with the most minutes were one senior (Zinn), one junior (Sarah Anderson, feisty like Katie Anderson but no relation AFAIK), one sophomore (Afolabi, who I think is the best of the Pios who returned this year) ... and four freshmen.  So I think we can expect to see a better performance against the press later this season.

I was surprised to see in the box score that the Pios committed more turnovers in the first half than in the second half, 14 to 13.  Because it was in the second half that we really saw the full-court pressure disrupt their offense, and the score become lopsided.

Of the freshmen, I was most impressed by Miyah Leith.  In a game in which Lewis & Clark was so disrupted that Afolabi (who's been their leader in per game scoring, rebounding, and steals this season) played only 7 minutes in the second half, Leith played the most minutes of any Pio, tied for the team lead in scoring, and just in general was one of the few Pios who was effective at both offense and defense.  She did good work against the press; it looks like her primary role is to be a shooting guard or wing, but I wonder if she has the ability to play point guard.

In addition to Asha Jordan, the Pios have a new assistant coach, Ashley Corral.  Corral had had a brilliant high school career in neighboring Vancouver WA, and an all-conference career at the Univ of Southern California.  She didn't quite make it into the WNBA, so she may be making a career switch to coaching.  I was living in LA during her USC days; I still remember the first time I saw her enter a game as a freshmen; unlike many freshmen who will play deferentially and pass the ball, she came out firing especially from long range -- and is the current leader in career 3-pointers at USC.

George Fox actually shot very poorly this game (except for Benner) but still soundly beat their opponent.  But against top-level opponents, I think offense will prove to be their weak point. Or perhaps rebounding.   The Bruins are out-rebounding their opponents, but not thrashing them the way they are with their defense.

Oh, I can provide an answer to a question that d3wbbfan had asked about Morris's offensive repertoire in particular her ability to drive.  When I first saw her play (as Jami Roos), she was a freshman and the backup PG to Hayley Cusick.  But she was much more shot-oriented than Cusick ever was, coming off the bench and driving relentlessly into the lane as well as firing up 3-pointers.  Quite reminiscent of Lewis and Clark's Katie Anderson.  But the next year, she shot less frequently and drove less frequently, I wonder if this may have reflected Coach Meek emphasizing a team approach.  But at any rate her game has been more subdued since then.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 25, 2015, 09:20:42 PM
mkt - thanks for the in-person observations from the GFU vs. LC game.
I had family commitments that kept me away.  UPS vs. GFU will be a big game next Friday in Tacoma.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 29, 2015, 09:51:03 PM
2nd time through conference play begins Friday night.

I doubt if the top 4 (GFU, WW, UPS, and WM) will line up so nicely in the 2nd half, but it sure did for the first half. Odds are that someone is going to break ranks.
George Fox beat all 3
Whitworth only lost to GFU
UPS only beat Whitman
Whitman lost to all 3 above them

Those four teams went a combined 20-0 against the other 5 teams in the conference. Anyone reading this from outside the conference should not take that to mean that the bottom 5 are weak. It is likely that they would all find more success in at least 30 other conferences across the country.

Team most bummed for missed opportunities has to be Pacific. They are 3-5 in conference, but only lost 1 game by double digits (to George Fox). The Boxers lost at home to Whitworth by 4, at home to Whitman by 3, on the road at UPS by 7, and at home by 2 in overtime to Lewis and Clark.

George Fox has the toughest schedule in the 2nd half as they play UPS, WW, and Whitman all on the road beginning with UPS on Friday night. UPS also has the Whits coming to Tacoma, so a great opportunity for the Loggers if they can hold serve at home.

I still don't see very many upsets coming from the bottom five teams. If Whitman were to drop a game to a lower team, it will make their effort to move up from #4 very difficult. I think the only thing to be decided is the seeding order for the conference tournament involving George Fox, Whitworth, Puget Sound, and Whitman.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 04, 2015, 02:31:22 PM
Been busy of late, but I'd like to offer deeper, beyond-the-recap/Box Score insights of the two Top-4 NWC games that I've seen in their entirety during the past week. They were surprises/much to learn from both games, which is great. For me, the unexpected always makes the games more fun to watch. Ultimately, my #1 reason to watch is to always take in the highest level of DIII WBB that I can, no matter the teams/leagues. And for me, year in and year out, the NWC rarely ever disappoints.

I'll start with the 1/30 George Fox at Puget Sound game: 1) Since it happened 5 days ago, and 2) It won't take nearly as long as Whitman's unexpected home drubbing of Whitworth last night, where I have multiple thoughts on both teams. Turns out it was a highly unusual late-season contest, in several ways. More on that one from me ASAP.

George Fox has brought a consistent, high level of game at both ends all season long, and that was again the case Friday night in Tacoma. Where I think Coach Meek deserves the most credit in 14-15 that his top players (Benner, Morris) have completely bought in to their team's much more intense defensive mentality, which takes advantage of the Bruins league-best depth, but means less total minutes for both. Not only are they OK with it, they both clearly benefit, by being fresher late in the contest. Both players did suffer from "disappearing" on offense late in the 2nd half of multiple big games last year. And, although Benner his smartly diversified her formerly always-goes-right-hand post move game some, Meek correctly sensed the primary reason for their lack of late-game points was fatigue-based. Because it hasn't happened to either Justine or Jami this year. At all. At UPS was a perfect example of this.     

Last season's George Fox team would've absolutely lost this game. For the first 29 minutes Friday, the Loggers were clearly the better team. In every way. Fox's press was not bothering the seasoned UPS squad one iota, and both key SRs (Amanda Forshay and Katy Ainslie) were scoring, rebounding, playing great D, and leading by example. And Puget Sound's veteran bench players were hanging tough with the equally skilled GFU bench players. It was so much fun for me to watch DIII women's hoops at this high a level.

When Ainslie made a jumper with 10:43 to go, to make it 54-42 Puget Sound, George Fox was in deep trouble. It didn't look like UPS was going away, or wearing down at all. Coach Meek had to call a TO. I said two things to myself: 1) "This is when we're gonna find out what the Bruins are truly made of. On the road. Against a hungry, veteran, highly skilled fellow Top 25 team, who's playing well." 2) "This is when we're gonna find out if this seasoned Puget Sound group can take that final step, and break through at last against a NWC team that's going to the NCAAs." And, at that moment, I honestly had no clue, except it was looking great for the Loggers....

I was looking squarely at four players. Benner and Morris for George Fox, and Forshay and Ainslie for UPS, to determine the final outcome. One duo delivered big-time, while the other went very quiet. The Loggers' breakthrough win was within reach. But they blinked. During the final 35-19 Bruin run, there were 6-8 "wow-VERY impressive" sequences by the Bruins. And, to their credit, they could then sense "blood in the water", and that the pressure of the moment appeared to be finally starting to get the best of Puget Sound.

Incredibly, Morris scored 18 of her game-high 27 points after that TO, including a 3-ptr the possession right after it, to get her team rolling. Now that's clutch leadership by example, that she's already shown multiple times this year, that honestly hadn't been there a lot during her first 3 years (as Jami Roos.) All the credit goes to her, her teammates and her coach. When it was needed most, George Fox shot 11-13 from the field during that last 10:43. Against a UPS team that *really* D's up. Morris hit 3 3's, a layup, and was 7-7 at the line in crunch time. Benner added 11 during that same span. Lauren Codling and Sammy Naluai, not surprisingly, added the other 6 late Bruin points. UPS didn't shoot awful at the end (6-16). In comparison, Forshay went 2-3, for 4 pts, and Ainslie shot just 1-6, had 2 TO's, and also missed a key 1-and-1 FT during that last 10:43. Still, they both played very solid games, and I applaud Coach Payne for UPS' fine overall effort. This 14-15 George Fox team has some serious mojo going for it. I saw that same, uncommon Bruin resolve early in non-conf, at a good Wisconsin Lutheran team. They can seemingly produce something exceptional, when it's most needed. Only great teams possess this quality. FYI, they counted an Ashley Agcaoili desperation 3 at the buzzer that I thought clearly came too late, to cosmetically make the final score appear closer: 77-73 Bruins.

Both of these teams are stone-cold locks for the upcoming NCAA DIII tournament.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 04, 2015, 08:06:36 PM
If you check back to my Nov/Dec 2014 NWC posts, I went into much detail about Whitman. I was quite frustrated. I felt that as long as you still have Heather Johns, the NCAAs were still possible. NWC coaches agreed. In a close vote, they thought the Missionaries' would repeat as league champs. My issue was 100% with who Coach Ferenz was playing. Heck, she's the HC, and these are her decisions to make. I respect that. All I can say is that I used to both coach and recruit at the college level. One of my bosses (HC) complimented me a while back. I'll paraphrase. "The reason I always listen carefully to what you say is that, when I've looked back, time has proven to me that you've almost always been right about things. Not 100%. No one is. But 90%+. That's very high. So I trust you. You've helped me to bring in the right kids, convinced me to stay away from kids that ended up not working out elsewhere. You have a knack for knowing who should play a lot, who shouldn't, and what might work on O or D when we're struggling, when I ask you for something. And you never want or need any credit for doing it. So thanks for helping me build my program." That's all I ever needed. It was a very kind of him to privately acknowledge me like that. It was my pleasure to help him out. That person is still at it, leaving for a higher-profile DI WBB job, and is now 15 hours away. We'll always be friends. But one thing that I do know that I still have "the knack". I never mean to hurt anyone. I just see things that I know will work. And I do have confidence. I have been right a lot. My only hope is that Coach Ferenz might read my take on her team, and consider it. I truly only have her and her team's best interests in mind.

The two players who Ferenz insisted on playing huge minutes to all season so far (to her/her team's detriment, I thought) were both DNP Tuesday night: (I wish injury on no one, but I do admit that a part of me said "Thank God" when I knew they'd both be out.) JR Hailey McDonald (ankle injury for the past 2/3 wks-DEFINITELY addition by subtraction, IMO) and SR F/co-captain Hailie Buse (the team's most popular player, but a career role player. My issues with her are 100% basketball-based; a "shooter" with a horrific career 3-pt pct, and she has absolutely NO jumping ability. Had started every game, but was DNP Tuesday. (no idea why, but again, it was *major* Whitman addition by subtraction.) SO G Chelsi Brewer has played WAY WAY too few minutes all year. Finally got just her 2nd career start Tuesday, playing a career-high 34 minutes. Easily the team's best 3-pt shooter, she scored 8 points, played stellar D, and proved to be the perfect backcourt mate with Johns. I would've had this tandem starting together since Game 1-absolute no brainer. (But Ferenz wouldn't bench her starter McDonald, who I would've relegated to garbage time on my team.) To me, the biggest disappointment has been SO Alysse Ketner. I expected more myself, but it just hasn't happened, also since Day 1 this year. Shaky D. Even her shot (her #1 strength as a FR) has largely disappeared. Shaky dribbler. (I'm sure Higgs was counting on picking Ketner's pocket several times on Tuesday. But because Alysse hardly played, it didn't happen. Ferenz' started Ketner Tues, and she played the first 4 minutes, and then she sat her for the last 36. Not a strategy I'm real familiar with (why start her then?), but it worked.) Ferenz also *finally* stopped giving SR career-8-mpg player Katie Gray 15-20 mpg a couple of wks ago. This completely senseless move came WAY too late, as several talented FR could've/should've gotten (and benefitted from) the minutes Gray was getting instead.

Getting to the DIII championship game comes with perks - an excellent Whitman recruiting class. I knew at least three would need to play big minutes immediately. FR Emily Rommel has started most of the year. And deservedly so. EXCEPT for the earlier game at Whitworth. Ferenz didn't start her, and hardly played Emily at all that game. Why? Because she's not ready yet for "The Battle Of The Whits?" Really? Says who? There was zero reason to do that. It negatively affects their confidence. Yeah, Rommel had major foul trouble Tuesday night. But she grabbed 10 boards and scored 6 points in her 17 minutes. Her interior D and work off the glass was key to Whitman's big win. Ferenz has also had a "hair trigger" on pulling Rommel (and all her FR) all season. Far more patience was needed by coach. They don't need to be saved/protected from learning out there. For a 6-footer in DIII, Rommel's game is quite advanced. Had Rommel gotten half the minutes Ferenz wasted on Gray and others early on, that's 25+ more game lessons Emily would've already learned by now. I'll bet less PF's on Tuesday would've been a possible result. FR Casey Poe's progress each game is clearly evident. She's gonna be a very good one. She played 28 key minutes last night, and did many positive things. She's a long, 5'11" with hops, plays super D for a FY, has guard skills, and possesses the offensive skill set to easily play the 3/4 spot at DIII. Again, Buse was getting *way way* too many 2014-15 minutes, that should've instead gone to Poe. If she had, she would also be much further along right now. The blame for Rommel/Poe being less "ready" in Feb. can only go to one individual. 5'10" FR Sierra McGarity was out injured the first month. But she's got a solid basketball body, and is a pure athlete who isn't afraid to mix it up. She's still not 100% up to speed, but she's almost there. Sierra is a natural 3, but Ferenz is giving her minutes as an undersized 4/5. I was thrilled that Ferenz gave her 21 key minutes vs Whitworth. She posted 5 rebounds & 5 points. I'll take that bench production in a heartbeat.

I was SO happy for Heather Johns (26 points Tuesday) last night. It was the first time all year I that truly saw the 1st-team All-American player totally energized, totally engaged, and playing at the incredibly high level I so enjoyed seeing last year. Smiling. Happy. She deserves it. And I was watching Whitman pull away from Whitworth last night, I see Johns out there with these four players: a SO (Brewer) and 3 FR (Rommel, Poe & McGarity.) Better late than never, I guess!

But there's other talent here. JR Hailey Ann Maeda's overall game (13 points last night) has really kicked in during NWC play. She's Whitman's #2 best player. And I'm not totally anti-SR. 6'0" Heather Lovelace is quite valuable as the first big off the bench. She's got a deadly 8-10 foot short jumper, and the wily veteran can give you extended quality minutes, if needed. Ferenz now needs to go with a primary rotation of 7. Start Johns (1), Maeda (4), Brewer (2), Rommel (5) and Poe (3). Lovelace and McGarity are the top subs. Poe played PG for 4 yrs in HS, so she can switch over to the (1), as can Brewer, and you still have Ketner, who I wouldn't give up on, just yet. She's just shown too many flashes of greatness.

Whitworth shot the ball *so* bad at Whitman last night, my only explanation is that the chef that prepared the Bucs pre-game meal spiked in 25 5-hour energy drinks with his cooking liquid, and then topped it off by serving them all pot brownies for dessert!!   :)   Bad shooting is one thing. But when nearly half the 2-pt shots, even from close range, looked like they were being fired out of a bazooka, instead of being shot by a player, something doesn't add up. And while Whitworth was 0-15 from 3 on the game, not a one of them was remotely close - my recollection is that more than half were *total* air balls. Off by a country mile. Even if the basket was the size of a hula hoop, the Pirates still would've shot 0-15 from 3. If I live to be 100, I'll never see a team shoot worse than I saw the Bucs last night. I honestly have no rational explanation for it. They also missed 10 of their 25 FTs. Yeah, Whitman played zone vs Whitworth, but Lewis & Clark played them zone, too. The Pirates swept them. Coach Ferenz went with a ton more young players than she did up in Spokane. And while they are more skilled at the defensive end than most FY's are, it's hard to believe that they could so completely lock down the seasoned Buc veterans. I do know one thing, though. Coach Ferenz threw out some personnel combos last night that Coach Higgs was definitely not expecting to see much of in her pre-game scouting report. Basically, "out with the old, in with the new." Maybe that element of surprise was the genius of Coach Ferenz game plan, and proved to be Whitworth's kryptonite. Short-term, the 70-43 Whitman win was arguably the #1 upset of NWC conference play to date. Congratulations to Coach Ferenz and the Missionaries, who haven't exactly had the smoothest of rides as a team themselves this campaign. It'll be fun to see a possible third meeting between the Whits. But you can only play that "element of surprise" card once, so I'm sure Coach Higgs will be ready for whoever on her roster Coach Ferenz sends out there against the Pirates, if there is a next time in the NWC playoffs/NCAAs.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 07, 2015, 01:18:13 AM
For what it's worth, d3wbbfan, the coaches I've talked to say that a deep tournament run or a title really doesn't manifest itself until the year after. Most kids are already committed by the time you finish that tournament run in late March, so you might turn a couple kids who were on the fence, but you won't do as well as you'd do the following season.

Just food for thought. Appreciate your posts.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 07, 2015, 07:06:25 PM
I do 100% agree with you on that point, Pat. Thanks for making it. My last post was unclear. I knew myself that Whitman WBB had also won 3 NCAA games/gotten to the Elite 8 two seasons ago. That absolutely happened too late to positively impact '13-14 recruiting, but it did give Ferenz & Co. great recruiting momentum *all* during last season's dream run. My characterization of the high-level '14-15 Whitman FR was intended to reflect the initial impact that the past *two* Whitman successful NCAA teams has had, as to the higher quality of their recruits. Hey, I'm not saying that the best '14-15 Whitman FR are Michigan's "Fab 5" reincarnated. Far from it. All I am saying is that they are clearly an improvement over previous classes. Even Anderegg/White/Traver, for all their achievements as upperclassman, all did little as FR and SO's. It wasn't until Johns came on board, that it truly started to all come together.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 08, 2015, 02:13:23 AM
George Fox easily dispatched of both Willamette (at home) and at the only '14-15 NWC team that really can't hang with all the others, Pacific Lutheran. The Bruins travel to "Whit Country" next weekend. Whitworth Friday, and Whitman Saturday. Fox is firing on all cylinders these days, and both of these games were basically over before halftime.

Puget Sound rebounded well after the home loss to GFU. They had to work some (you also do in the NWC), but won 71-57 at Pacific (OR) and 65-49 at Willamette. JR Emily Sheldon put 31 on the Boxers. I love her game. She's had numerous outstanding efforts this year. Her Friday explosion now has her actually leading the team, at 13.7ppg (Forshay 13.2/Ainslie 12.7).   

If UPS is fortunate enough to be shipped out for the NCAAs, there's many a 4-team pod where the Loggers will advance. Although I honestly think it would be the *far* more fair/equitable thing to do to ship out the #2 NWC team (looks now like Whitworth), as a reward for finishing 2nd, if you will, and leave Puget Sound, as the #3 NWC team, behind in Newberg, to possibly have to deal with George Fox. That hasn't been what the NCAA has historically done, however. When they do ship an NWC team out, it's usually been the #3. (In that case, should an NWC coach try to finish 3rd, to escape the Bruins pod? I think I would consider it, were I a coach. Which is why I made the suggestion. Because I always want teams to do their best, and try 100% to win every game. I hate when any team considers "tanking", in any sport, to improve their place in the draft, for example.)

Whitman wins at Linfield Fri, 66-54, and Whitworth wins there Sat, 68-61. The Wildcats coach (Robin Potera-Haskins) is a spitfire (albeit a tad crazy), they've got some talent, and they've got some loyal, vocal fans who always make it tough for opponents in McMinnville. Both Whits had to work fairly hard for their road wins this weekend, who both had the injury bug bite. Lexie Zappone was in street clothes and limping noticeably in the end-of-game Linfield line Sat. This is a MAJOR loss for the Bucs. Behind KC McConnell, she's the team's best player. She's their best defender (on a team full of them), and she is the league's best PG not named Heather Johns. Superb handle, superb passer, clutch, knows when her team needs her to score, deadly at the FT line late, and she understands what Helen Higgs wants to a T. If Lexie's not back in the lineup by Friday, you can wave bye-bye to any chance Whitworth has to beat the Bruins in Spokane, IMO. The Pirates have other solid guards, but none are even half as good, all-around, as Zappone is.   

The Whitman bench had SO Alysse Ketner in street clothes Fri. (now I know why she only played the first 4 mins vs Whitworth Tuesday-and in-game injury I did not see.) The 6'2" FR Kendra Winchester tore an ACL in practice recently, and McDonald and Buse are still out as well. Whitman stayed 100% healthy during their big NCAA run last year, but the injury gods have a way of balancing out the ledger, over time.

I don't spend much time here posting on NWC teams #5 thru 9, but Pacific (OR) has consistently played teams very tight during NWC play. They get out to consistently quick starts, and have been difficult to try to reel back in. Currently 5-7 in the league, they've lost 5 real close ones: by 2 (OT), 3, 3, 4 and just 7 at UPS. After all this heartbreak, they honestly deserved a nice road win, and finally got it Sat - a 76-53 win at Lewis & Clark, who at 4-8 in conference has also proven to be a more difficult challenge then I'd projected in pre-season. In fact, this was the first Pio league game all year where they didn't manage to honestly hang within 7-15 point range, all the way to the end. I do like what I've seen so far in first-year L&C coach Asha Jordan.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 10, 2015, 04:40:31 PM
Three days to go until the big showdown in Eastern Washington. Maybe the last stand against George Fox's undefeated regular season run. George Fox smacked down both teams in their first meeting but that came at home and teams make adjustments. Plus, you never know what will happen on that Whit trip. Who you got?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 10, 2015, 09:48:21 PM
Whitworth struggled last week by getting badly beaten at Whitman last week and not taking control of the game at Linfield until the last 5 minutes or so of the game. As noted by d3wbbfan the Pirates were down a starter due to injury.  Whitman is beginning to surge.

George Fox has been swept on this trip the last 2 years, so it is hard to make a confident prediction that the Bruins will prevail. I do think George Fox should be the favorite in both games. They are playing well right now.

I think the first regional rankings of the year come out sometime tomorrow. I will be curious to see who is #1 in the West. I think George Fox should get the nod over St. Thomas due to a stronger conference and the Bruins SOS is higher than the Tommies.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 10, 2015, 10:04:12 PM
Saw someone forecasting another region's rankings and thought it would be fun to do the same for the West.

1) George Fox (NWC)
2) St. Thomas (MIAC)
3) Whitworth (NWC)
4) Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (SCIAC)
5) University of Puget Sound (NWC)
6) Luther (IIAC)

Not sure if 5, 6, or 7 schools will be ranked. Other schools in the mix are Whitman (NWC), UC Santa Cruz (IND), and Bethel (MIAC).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 11, 2015, 12:46:35 AM
I have St. Thomas with a region record of 20-0. George Fox has a region record of 19-0 because they played fewer D3 and West Region/Region 4 teams during nonconference. Not sure if that gives St. Thomas the nod over George Fox in the first release of rankings because I'm not sure what other criteria goes into the rankings plus these region records are by my unofficial tally. Hopefully the next 3 weeks shed a lot more light on the caliber of both teams.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 11, 2015, 09:59:16 AM
I believe Strength of Schedule (SOS) comes into play for the regional rankings. They can be found using the news tab on the d3hoops main page.  George Fox is 21st on the list (out of over 400 schools) and St. Thomas is 123rd. Other West Region schools of note on SOS are UPS (55), Whitworth (57), Luther (106), and Whitman (119).

St. Thomas only plays its strongest conference opponent, Bethel, once this year. That game will be at Bethel on Feb. 18 and is one to watch in addition to the GFU games at the Whits this weekend.  St. Thomas did come out west and play Redlands and Occidental to begin this season.  It is possible to use those 2 games to do a string of who played who games to attempt to connect St. Thomas and George Fox, but that is always a stretch the longer the string gets.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan13 on February 11, 2015, 02:17:33 PM
Here's the list of what the primary and secondary selection criteria is this year:

Primary Criteria
The primary criteria emphasize regional competition (all contests leading up to NCAA championships); all criteria listed will
be evaluated (not listed in priority order).
● Win-loss percentage against Division III opponents.
● Division III strength of schedule.
   - Opponents' Average Winning Percentage (OWP) (weighted 2/3).
   - Opponents' Opponents' Average Winning Percentage (OOWP) (weighted 1/3).
   - Add OWP and OOWP to give total strength of schedule
● Division III head-to-head competition.
● Results versus common Division III opponents.
● Results versus ranked Division III teams as established by the rankings at the time of selection. Conference
postseason contests are included.
● Contests versus provisional and reclassifying members in their third and fourth years shall count in the primary
criteria. Provisional and reclassifying members shall remain ineligible for rankings and selection.

Secondary Criteria
If the evaluation of the primary criteria does not result in a decision, the secondary criteria will be reviewed. All the criteria
listed will be evaluated (not listed in priority order). The secondary criteria introduce results against non-Division III opponents,
including those contests versus opponents from other classifications (i.e., provisionals, NAIA, NCAA Divisions I and II).
● Non-Division III win-loss percentage.
● Results versus common non-Division III opponents.

Additionally, input is provided by regional advisory committees for consideration by the Women's Basketball Committee.
In order to be considered for selection for Pools A, B or C, an institution must play at least 70 percent of its competition
against Division III in-region opponents. Coaches' polls and/or any other outside polls or rankings are not used as a selection
criterion by the Women's Basketball Committee.

You can view all of this in the D3 manual for this year at:
http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/DIIIWBBPRECHAMPMANV1.pdf

Also, the in-region record should not matter.  They changed that last year I believe.  They replaced this with the rule that you must play 70% of your games against in-region opponents.  With this they will then count all of your D3 games as part of the selection criteria.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on February 11, 2015, 06:57:49 PM
Very helpful, thanks!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on February 13, 2015, 11:38:53 PM
I watched the end of the George Fox-Whitworth game tonight. After watching the Bruins a couple times this year, they are one of the best defensive teams I've seen in a long time. They have great length, good speed, they move their feet and contest shots without fouling. Very, very impressive.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 14, 2015, 12:26:32 PM
Wow - that had to be nearly some kind of record in the overtime game between Whitworth and George Fox for low scoring.  A total of 3 points were scored.  Whitworth on 1-2 from the free throw line and George Fox had 1 field goal (0-2 on FT's).

Both teams very aggressive on defense.  George Fox is fortunate to leave Spokane with a win. In spite of going 4-21 on 3's and 9-17 from the line, they get the road win after losing the previous two years on the Pirates floor.

Whitworth is a strong team, I just hope some how that they will be in separate pod than George Fox in the tournament.

The 4 teams are now set for the conference tournament. The Bruins need 1 more win to claim the outright conference championship. UPS, Whitworth, and Whitman are battling for the 2nd and 3rd seeds to avoid a semi-final match-up with George Fox. Whitman in particular needs a home win today against George Fox if they want to have any chance at improving their conference seeding.

I don't know if I have ever seen such a clear break in the conference for wins and losses than this year. Bruins, Pirates, Loggers, and Missionaries are a combined undefeated against the other 5 schools. Pacific University may be 5-8, but they have caused the most trouble for the strongest teams.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 14, 2015, 06:55:24 PM
My most sincere congrats on your OT win in Spokane, BruinFan. The better team won.

However, I take major issue with one point that you've made more than once this season. As to the "math" of it, you're 100% correct. As of this moment, none of the bottom five teams has beaten any of the top four. But I see that point as an absolute and complete disservice to those other five NWC teams.. And the way I see it, George Fox has been the #1 beneficiary of this league's quality depth - *especially*, as you note, by your NWC travel partner, Pacific (OR).

The night before Whitworth played you Sat afternoon in Newberg, they had to play Pacific in Forest Grove. Yeah, the Bucs won, but it was like Ali-Frazier III. I saw that game. The Pirates had to give absolutely everything they had to eke out that win. And then attempt to topple your Bruins, on the road, just 21 hours later. They were totally gassed, and the Pirate results that day absolutely reflected that.

Same thing for tonight. Whitman *barely* escaped the Boxers in Walla Walla last night. Michelle Ferenz had to play Heather Johns the full 40 minutes, which she tries to avoid at all costs. But Ferenz had no choice but to leave her out there.  Every single time the M's got another 5-6 point lead late - Bam! Another Boxer 3. Time and time again. Again, I expect this to benefit the Bruins in a major way tonight, against a short-handed Whitman team with four kids now in street clothes. And I say all this while meaning to take nothing away from your George Fox team. They are outstanding, the class of the NWC, and I'll be stunned to not see them in the FF.

I only hope you'll consider my point here. As you know, I also closely observe the NESCAC play. And while they're a great league, too, it's just a totally different animal than the NWC, even though it's not clear by looking at the records. The top teams in the NESCAC are regularly able to rest up/limit their starters minutes, just before a upper tier league foe the next day. Being allowed that "luxury" makes an incredible difference in a team's fatigue level, especially in the mostly Fri-Sat leagues, like the NWC and the NESCAC.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 14, 2015, 09:45:48 PM
Quote from: d3wbbfan on February 14, 2015, 06:55:24 PM
My most sincere congrats on your OT win in Spokane, BruinFan. The better team won.

However, I take major issue with one point that you've made more than once this season.  As to the "math" of it, you're 100% correct. As of this moment, none of the bottom five teams has beaten any of the top four. But I see that point as an absolute and complete disservice to those other five NWC teams.. And the way I see it, George Fox has been the #1 beneficiary of this league's quality depth - *especially*, as you note, by your NWC travel partner, Pacific (OR).

The night before Whitworth played you Sat afternoon in Newberg, they had to play Pacific in Forest Grove. Yeah, the Bucs won, but it was like Ali-Frazier III. I saw that game. The Pirates had to give absolutely everything they had to eke out that win. And then attempt to topple your Bruins, on the road, just 21 hours later. They were totally gassed, and the Pirate results that day absolutely reflected that.

Same thing for tonight. Whitman *barely* escaped the Boxers in Walla Walla last night. Michelle Ferenz had to play Heather Johns the full 40 minutes, which she tries to avoid at all costs. But Ferenz had no choice but to leave her out there.  Every single time the M's got another 5-6 point lead late - Bam! Another Boxer 3. Time and time again. Again, I expect this to benefit the Bruins in a major way tonight, against a short-handed Whitman team with four kids now in street clothes. And I say all this while meaning to take nothing away from your George Fox team. They are outstanding, the class of the NWC, and I'll be stunned to not see them in the FF.

I only hope you'll consider my point here. As you know, I also closely observe the NESCAC play. And while they're a great league, too, it's just a totally different animal than the NWC, even though it's not clear by looking at the records. The top teams in the NESCAC are regularly able to rest up/limit their starters minutes, just before a upper tier league foe the next day. Being allowed that "luxury" makes an incredible difference in a team's fatigue level, especially in the mostly Fri-Sat leagues, like the NWC and the NESCAC.

I never said the teams at the top of the conference beat the other teams easily. It is simply an observation as we go through the season when looking to continue forecasting the conference standings. Early in season you asked for my thoughts and observations and thought I was trying to avoid providing bulletin board material. So, I guess I should have kept the undefeated against the other 5 to myself. I do believe the NWC is one of the top conferences in the country.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 15, 2015, 02:29:39 AM
BruinFan, congrats on the road sweep of the Whits. Hard earned, and extremely well deserved.

BruinFan, you get to post whatever you want. Any time you do, I enjoy reading it. I get confused rather easily, that's all. When I do, just clarify things for me. It is not a criticism of you at all. It's just that, historically, whenever a person shines the light on that "line of demarkation" about a league's teams, their intention is to draw others' attention to it, for some reason. For added insight. So why would you mention it twice, if you thought that the non-Top 4 NWC teams were also solid game-in, game-out competition? I was confused as to your point. 100% my bad. I just didn't see that to be anything but a strange, statistical anomaly. Unless that, in and of itself, was your point all along......

With 8:00 to go tonight, and the game even, Whitman's Maeda was totally gassed. Again. And had to ask out. Again. Ferenz was forced to play Katie Gray. Again. (As my alarm bells go off....) During those 3 2nd-half minutes, I believe it was a 6-0 GFU run. Ferenz had to quickly yank Katie. During Gray's entry in the first half, IIRC, a 10-2 Bruin run occurred during Katie's 5 minutes. GFU was absolutely chewing her up and spitting her out. Maeda isn't in anywhere near the kind of shape that the GFU players are. It's obvious. And shame on Hailey Ann for that, because the Missionaries need her to be in there as many minutes as possible, as she and Johns are the only upperclassmen playing much these days. But Maeda had to play 31 mins Fri vs Pacific. She averages just 25. Johns was also on major fumes late Sat., after 40 mins Friday. You can always tell with her - less elevation on her jump, while shooting. BruinFan, you had to have noticed Whitman fatigue in the last 6-7 minutes of both halves. Legs gone. One reason: the tough Pacific game Friday. (Further credit must go to the Bruins as well - you guys have been feasting on tired-legged teams late all year, and that's to your club's continuing credit. My compliments to team and staff.)

I can't think of anything sadder than to be a player in a DIII WBB conference, and see that no one is posting anything here. Posting lets both the participants and coaches know that people follow, watch, enjoy and care about their team. All four of those are good things, right? So yeah, I'll get in there. I'll compliment coaches. I'll second-guess coaches. I do the same with players, other posters, and other conferences. I've been right, and I've been wrong. I will continue to be both of those things. I'm not perfect. But I've always been a very respectful, tolerant person. 

I enjoyed Whitman's runs the past two years very much. I'll always have a special fondness in my heart for those players, and the Missionary coaches. But I can still be, and have been, quite critical of the job Michelle Ferenz has done this year. It's the darndest thing. With the specific injuries that occurred, she's basically been *forced* to finally now play the exact five players I've wanted to see in there all year. Otherwise, we'd all still be watching the underachieving veteran duo of McDonald and Buse play major, non-productive minutes - and see them lose winnable games. While Brewer, who's exponentially better than both (and has been even better than her sister (Tiffani Traver) was last season lately, and that's saying something!) kept riding the pine. I don't mean to be sarcastic, but isn't it Ferenz' job is to notice which players are better than which, and to play the best ones the most? I now view this non-NCAA year for Whitman as a totally avoidable outcome. No, they're not gonna win the NWC tournament, and grab the automatic bid. No how, no way. Too difficult this year. Losing those opening two games in Ohio remains inexplicable, and was 100% Ferenz' fault; both opponents were *not* highly skilled teams, and it severely damaged her at-large chances from the get-go. Had she won even one of those two, they'd be ranked regionally right now. Turns out Ferenz had plenty enough talent at her disposal, all along, to again be going to the NCAAs. Just like the NWC voters thought they did, pre-season. She just refused to play the ones who could get her there. You could see that tonight. The current five starters just "click". They fit together perfectly, and compliment each other. Rommel and Poe already play like juniors. Early on Sat., neither Codling nor Benner (both top defenders) could stop Rommel down low! Emily and Casey were both productive, play great D without fouling, and neither one ever gets tired. And McGarity has quickly fit nicely into the primary rotation, after her late start. Darn it. The NWC should've had *four* teams make the NCAA tournament this year, IMO. Heather Johns deserved this last run.

But George Fox deserves to be the star of this post. Can I just say again how much I love watching Dacia Heckendorf play? I almost think you have to see the game as a coach does, to fully appreciate how extremely well that young lady plays. She was both stupendous, and on the floor for the Bruins during all the most important points of this weekend's games. And I noticed Coach Meek had Kylie Dummer guarding Heather Johns. Now I know why she starts - that girl can really D up. Johns is just about as tough a one-on-one matchup as a DIII player can draw. I noticed that Johns' best moments on O was when Dummer was subbed out of the game.

It also struck me that the Bruins are really only two-deep at the 3-pt shooter spot. Morris and Naluai. (that's enough to win, though.) Sammy's stroke from deep had a quiet weekend, but she kicked it in during the last 10 mins at Whitman. And you know why George Fox is a great team? After Morris fouled out at Whitworth, and GFU sees the shot clock winding down, late in regulation, who shows the guts of a burglar, steps up, takes and drains a very clutch trey? Nicole Blizzard. I also saw Kimberly Frost get some late, important minutes for the Bruins at PG after Morris fouled out. She sure is quick. But what I like about her most is that she doesn't suffer from the #1 problem that quick kids always need to deal with: how to not play *too* quickly sometimes. Kimberly always seems to play at the proper speed for the moment, especially for a young player. That is rare, and to her credit. Also happy to see Hobert back in there. I'm afraid she missed too much time to get many big 14-15 minutes, going forward. But I encourage Kennedy to stay ready, short term, and work on your game. You've already got plenty of it, and two more seasons of fun are still ahead of you!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: (509)Rat on February 15, 2015, 05:44:13 AM
Quote from: d3wbbfan on February 14, 2015, 06:55:24 PM
And the way I see it, George Fox has been the #1 beneficiary of this league's quality depth - *especially*, as you note, by your NWC travel partner, Pacific (OR).

The night before Whitworth played you Sat afternoon in Newberg, they had to play Pacific in Forest Grove. Yeah, the Bucs won, but it was like Ali-Frazier III. I saw that game. The Pirates had to give absolutely everything they had to eke out that win. And then attempt to topple your Bruins, on the road, just 21 hours later. They were totally gassed, and the Pirate results that day absolutely reflected that.

Same thing for tonight. Whitman *barely* escaped the Boxers in Walla Walla last night. Michelle Ferenz had to play Heather Johns the full 40 minutes, which she tries to avoid at all costs. But Ferenz had no choice but to leave her out there.  Every single time the M's got another 5-6 point lead late - Bam! Another Boxer 3. Time and time again. Again, I expect this to benefit the Bruins in a major way tonight, against a short-handed Whitman team with four kids now in street clothes.

The toughest trip (now) in men's and women's basketball is Spokane/Walla Walla, Whitworth/Whitman. Two of the top teams in the league that are over 3 hours apart after a 4-7 hr bus ride? You should have just left the travel partner stuff out of your post, would have made your arguments stronger...
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on February 17, 2015, 08:32:40 AM
Here's a few observations from watching UPS's victory over host Lewis & Clark this past weekend. 

UPS looked good.  Their defense didn't throttle the Pios the way that George Fox's did, but it was still plenty good; by the middle of the first half the score was 29-10.  Although the UPS bigs played well, I though the perimeter defense from their guards, starters and substitutes alike, was most impressive.  Defensive pressure throughout, starting in the backcourt (though they did little literal fullcourt pressing).  On offense, Emily Sheldon was especially impressive, able to shoot over tight defense.  UPS seems to have played a consistent rotation with the same five players starting all of their games and four players coming off the bench for roughly similar minutes. 

Late in the first half Hannah Lekson, playing that furious defense, dove to contest a pass.  She hit the floor hard, and stayed down for awhile -- it turns out she banged her forehead against the floor.  She was able to finally get up and sit on the bench, but did not play again during the game, instead she held an icepack to her head.  I ran into a trainer or assistant coach after the game and he said "she'll be all right" but confirmed that they went through the concussion protocols with her. 

If she has to miss a game or two, UPS still has good depth with three bench players who've been getting significant playing time all along.

For Lewis and Clark, freshman Miyah Leith again looked like the best player on their roster, or perhaps tied with Afolabi.  At one point in the middle of the first half, Leith had scored 8 of the 12 Pio points.  Rachel Cox was the first player off the bench in the second half and made some very good defensive plays, helping to cut a 21-point halftime deficit to 10 points.  But that was as close as the game got, and the Loggers went on to win by 16.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 18, 2015, 10:17:00 AM
Since I'm relatively sure no one's seen more NWC WBB games than me, here are my thoughts for the 2014-15 All-NWC teams:

1st Team:
Heather Johns, Whitman (SR)
KC McConnell, Whitworth (JR)
Amanda Forshay, Puget Sound (SR)
Justine Benner, George Fox (JR)
Lauren Codling, George Fox (SR)
Jami Morris, George Fox (SR)

(all 3 Bruins deserve first team, although I suspect politics will wrongly include just two.)

2nd Team:
Emily Sheldon, Puget Sound (JR)
Katy Ainslie, Puget Sound (SR)
Olivia Cook, Pacific (OR) (SR)
JoJo DeLong, Willamette (SR)
Katara Belton-Sharp, Whitworth (SR)

Honorable Mention:
Ayisat Afolabi, Lewis & Clark (SO)
Jessica Kramer, Whitworth (SR)
Lexie Zappone, Whitworth (SR)
Sarah Curl (SO) or Nani Ostrom (SR), Pacific (OR) *
Amantha Hood, Linfield (FR)
Megan Abdo (JR) or Jori Hall (JR), Pacific Lutheran *

* (Both Curl and Ostrom should appear, and no PLU player should appear, but I suspect the league's desire to include a player from Pacific Lutheran will result in either Abdo or Hall appearing.)

Player Of The Year: Heather Johns, Whitman

Coach Of The Year: Michael Meek, George Fox
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 21, 2015, 09:36:28 AM
Congratulations to George Fox University for their Northwest Conference Championship and for having an undefeated regular season (25-0) for the third time in seven years.

It was great to honor the seniors Friday night. Joyce (not on roster due to injuries), Shawna (team chaplain), Lauren, Dacia, and Jami. Your time is not quite yet done as Bruins - hopefully at least four more home games.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 22, 2015, 03:26:38 PM
Congratulations to Coach Loree Payne and Puget Sound (22-3, 13-3), who sent her 6 SRs out the right way on Senior Day with an 82-78 home win over Whitworth (21-4, 12-4). I'd say this was Coach Payne's biggest win ever, in her 5 seasons as Logger HC. They will rightfully move past the Bucs in the national Top 25, and in the next NCAA West Region rankings. The win also clinched 2nd place in the NWC for UPS, meaning these same two teams will again do battle, in a #3 vs #2 NWC semifinal, Thursday night in Tacoma. (The other semi pits #4 Whitman (16-9, 11-5) against top-seeded and unbeaten George Fox (25-0, 16-0).

As always, I'll try and go beyond the box score. First off, the most points the Bucs have given up all season was 70, in their blowout losses to GFU and Whitman. Except, that is, for *both* of the Puget Sound games. Earlier in Spokane, Whitworth allowed 77 (on 31 UPS FGs), but scored 83 points themselves, to escape with the win. Saturday's game saw many more whistles than the earlier contest, which was truly a shame because both teams are veteran clubs who've proven repeatedly that they know how to play quality defense without fouling. This crew, however, wrongly determined them to be poor defenders who were hacking each other left and right. At least the stripes were equally unjust, calling 26 fouls on UPS and 25 on Whitworth. The Loggers (28-34) outshot the Pirates (26-36) at the line, which rarely happens to Whitworth. For all the Bucs' success, this team has always had a fairly small margin for error. They count on outshooting their opponents at the stripe. They are *such* a high effort group. McConnell and Kramer overcome their lack of height by finding small open interior seams, for short Js from 8 ft and in. They depend on those shots to regularly drop in, and they usually do. And on D, if the Pirates can't generate pressure TO's/points, or double down low against taller bigs when needed, they can become vulnerable.

Puget Sound's offense is far more structured than the other 3 NWC playoff teams are. It's not a stretch to say that 2/3rds of the Logger shots come straight from Payne's playbook. Their spacing is impeccable, and they try to have enough 3-pt threats in the lineup (although as a team, they shoot just average % from deep) so man defense is mostly their opponents' D of choice. Besides their prowess on D, what the top NWC teams all do that other top WBB teams don't do nearly as well is make multiple, quick passes, while still being under total control. It's like the ball is 200 degrees, but yet their hands never burn. Top teams in this league *really* reverse the ball, and almost never take a perimeter shot that's not both an open one and a good one. And UPS, whose players are always exactly where they are supposed to be, are best at this. And makes them especially hard to double on D. Because if a defender decides to hedge/cheat off their man, the resulting open player is usually at a spot on the floor where they are especially comfortable shooting from. In that regard, Payne's system is very well designed.

Still, counter-intuitive as it may seem, I don't think Helen Higgs really minded much at all finishing 3rd in the league, and going back out to UPS to play them next Thursday. Don't forget: Whitworth is the two-time defending NWC tourney champs, with many core players from those clubs still intact. And where were they seeded both years? Third. They played (and won) all four of their NWC tourney games on the road. In fact, they were all set to host George Fox last year, in the 2-3 game, until they were upset, out of nowhere, by L&C in the reg season finale. Just 5 days later, they blow out Fox, in Newberg. I get the sense that the Bucs much prefer being/playing the role of underdog. It seems to suit their personality, as a perennially undersized group. I've seen the Bucs play 20 times this year. Coach Higgs has 3-5 go-to plays that she keeps in reserve, for when she really needs points now. I noticed she didn't run a one of those last night. Even when her kids shrunk a late 10-12 point lead to 4, inside of the last minute. I'm not saying she didn't want to win Saturday. What I am saying is that 95%+ of coaches I know coach "pedal to the metal". They coach *every* close game as if it's their last one. They want the W that day. Bad. They'll worry about tomorrow tomorrow. I've also seen a very few master tacticians on the sidelines, who see it a bit differently - they are willing to lose a battle to win the war.     

Coach Higgs doesn't publicize this fact at all, but she's a PhD, and is a tenured professor of Kinesiology at Whitworth. She is an exceptionally bright woman. While watching her, game in and game out, I've noticed that she just doesn't miss a whole lot out there on the floor, regarding game situations/adjustments. Still, she's the first to admit that, "In the end, you've got to have the horses." Having a smart, highly skilled bench coach has a profound impact on a program, and its overall success. To me, it's the #1 most important factor. The truth is that there are far fewer coaches at her high level, especially in WBB, than I wished there were. Saturday, there were a couple of adjustments Higgs could've easily made, to instantly make life more difficult for the Loggers. Especially after surrendering 77 points to them earlier, you know she'd examined other options. Yet, crazy like a fox, I opine that she's saving all her best "Plan B's" for next week, and opted to approach Senior Day the exact same way Saturday that she did in Spokane. Man D for the full 40. Yeah, she pressed UPS a little yesterday, but there was none of that "pack of wild dogs" D Whitworth can unleash at any moment. That I saw the Bucs play in all of their recent NWC playoff and NCAA games. And that I will absolutely see them play next Thursday night. And while zone isn't Whitworth's D of choice (they're just so good at man), they also play excellent zone D, as they've had to go to it on occasion, when the situation has dictated. Employ it here, just to get UPS out of their comfort zone. If you switch defenses each trip, it gives the Loggers something new and different to worry about. And when your offense is fairly structured, the first thing UPS needs to determine is what D is being played against them, so they can adjust on O accordingly. Lewis & Clark played predominantly zone all year, and it gave a number of teams trouble - Puget Sound and Whitworth among them.

That said, just because I see a few things the veteran HC Higgs will likely employ Thursday, attempting to maximize her chances for victory, and that I do give Whitworth a slight edge in the upcoming 2-3 NWC 14-15 semi, largely due to its recent postseason success, it doesn't mean that Coach Payne isn't gonna be just as ready to counter Higgs strategies, and unveil a few surprises of her own. I don't think it'll be too long before Loree, a brilliant young coach, moves on to her next HC challenge. Most know of her pedigree as both a player and AC at her alma mater, Washington of the Pac-12. So I'll enjoy watching Loree skillfully guide her Loggers, for as long as she's still a part of things here in the NWC. UPS beating Whitworth again Thursday would absolutely not be an upset. The Loggers are the higher seed. Puget Sound has all the things I like to watch in a team. They're smart, they work relentlessly, they've been there/done that, they're highly skilled, and they're disciplined. I could also see further recent, growth. From that narrow home loss to George Fox. Saturday, with another late lead against a top team, this time Puget Sound did not "blink". They continued to execute, to stay in the present, to make their FTs, and to play to win, instead of not to lose. Those who've read my earlier posts know I've been singing the Loggers' praises all season long. May the better team(s) Thursday and Saturday win, and here's hoping for quality, high-level, injury-free games, in pursuit of both the league's automatic bid, and NCAA tourney success, for which the top 3 seeds are locks!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: d3wbbfan on February 27, 2015, 07:24:16 AM
My thoughts on Thursday night's #3 at #2 NWC semifinal. (As for Whitman at George Fox, I'm hoping it'll be available on demand Friday. I had Live Stats on, as both NWC semis were being played at the same time. I'd rather watch it first, before breaking that game down here. If I can, I will.)

#2 Puget Sound 71, #3 Whitworth 64: The surging Loggers (23-3, 13-3) toppled the Pirates (21-5, 12-4) at home for the second time in 5 days. Getting out to an early 10-2 lead 5 minutes in, UPS got unexpectedly solid point production from all 5 starters. 1st team All-NWC performers Amanda Forshay (20 points) and Emily Sheldon (13 points) led the way, with both 2nd team all-conference pick Katy Ainslie and SO Alex Noren adding 11 each. More surprising was SR PG Ashley Agcaoili, who averages just 5 ppg, who chipped in with 9. Six, however, were true daggers, both coming on made 3-balls immediately after quick Whitworth TO's, on consecutive Logger possessions at the 14:51 and 14:11 mark in the 2nd half - the second triple extended the Logger advantage to 15, at 48-33. Whitworth usually has a great 2-3 minutes after a Higgs TO, but Agcaoili's duo from deep instantly poured cold water on the momentum Whitworth usually derives from its TOs. Timing is everything. The Bucs still had a big run in them, however, although it required tremendous effort. Over the next 12 minutes, repeated dribble-drives were key to a 31-17 Whitworth run, and a layup by Katara Belton-Sharp with 2:07 left cut the Puget Sound lead to one, at 65-64. After Noren went 1-2 at the line, their lead was two when Pirate SR Kendra Knutsen missed a 3-ptr from the left corner with 1:36 left, that would've given the Bucs their first lead. Tonight Whitworth got beaten with their own M.O., as that Belton-Sharp hoop were their last points, while it was the Loggers who sank 6-7 late FTs to secure the win, and punch their ticket to the NWC finals. It's scary. The Loggers are still getting tangibly better as a group. They've clearly built on each big win and each tough loss this league campaign. The one word I would use is confident. I'll be surprised if they don't give a great account of themselves in Newberg on Saturday. I would caution George Fox to come ready to play, as they likely expected to see Whitworth advance. This UPS team can really play, and, most dangerously, they're just peaking as a team now.

Unlike last Saturday, Coach Higgs did unveil her "pack of wild dogs" defense. Yet, to their credit, the Loggers were able to navigate through it like butter, with only a very few exceptions. UPS was so skilled at quickly escaping Whitworth's full-court pressure that I recall seeing at least 5 easy UPS hoops being scored, as a direct result of doing so. Loree Payne's players were so not bothered by Whitworth's maniacal D that these multiple scores looked more like secondary fast break hoops, rather than an effective press break. As such, the Pirates found themselves in 3-on-1/4-on-2 defensive mismatches at the goal. Being short numbers on D just doesn't happen to Whitworth. Overall, UPS had 13 assists and 12 turnovers. That stat also doesn't happen to Whitworth. The Bucs' normal box score for opponents, over the past 2-3 seasons, regularly shows twice as many TO's than assists. It isn't that Whitworth's D has worsened recently. What has happened is that, to UPS, the "novelty" of it seems to have worn off a bit. In fact, Puget Sound appeared to now view it as an opportunity to score easily, instead of something to fear. I suppose it's only natural, as UPS has now seen this type of super-intense, 94-feet, in-your-face D employed against it 7 times this year, between the Bucs, George Fox, and, of late, Whitman. Still, the sky-high level of success that Puget Sound had against it did surprise me. Just because you know something is gonna happen, it still doesn't mean that you're gonna be able to overcome it/negate its effects. This was one of those times, however. Coach Payne and every Logger player deserve a tremendous amount of credit for this win. UPS' defense didn't exactly take the night off. They held Lexie Zappone scoreless, were able to minimize the offensive damage by McConnell (16) and Belton-Sharp (14), and held key inside player Jessica Kramer to just 4. FR Callie Harwood stepped up big for Whitworth, scoring 14, while Knutson hit double-figures (12-a rarity for her) for the second straight game, in a losing effort.

While I did expect Coach Higgs to at least show glimpses of multiple defenses vs UPS, she didn't. She again stayed man for the full 40, allowing UPS to stay with the offensive system/sets the Logger players execute so very well. I almost always agree with Higgs' choices, but I didn't happen to in this instance. In closing, unlike last weekend's game, there was a wide disparity in free throws taken Thursday, in favor of the home team. In fact, Whitworth (24-70; 34%) scored more total FGs than UPS (22-53; 42%). The Bucs went 13-16 at the line, while the Loggers took twice as many (24-32). Still, I thought this game was fairly officiated. Whitworth had to fight for tons of offensive rebounds off missed shots, putting them in danger of committing more fouls of aggression, which they did. In the end, UPS won this game because of 1) their press break, 2 ) by shooting better from the field than Whitworth did, and 3) defending the Pirates O at their usual, super high level. Despite scoring 2 more FGs, Whitworth shot the ball quite poorly Thursday - a recurring theme, of late. Despite their lack of height, the Bucs take more shots from 8 feet and in than any other team in the NWC. Generally, the closer the shots are launched from, the higher the %. And after starting the season 14-0, the Pirates are just 7-5 in their last 12. Granted, the level of competition of late has been very high. But Whitworth has been shooting their lowest FG% against the very best teams they are playing. This is not unusual - common, in fact. They've shot 38% or less in 10 of their 26 games. The Pirates did manage to win all 5 games when it happened against non-elite opponents. But they've lost all 5 games when it's happened vs. the NWC playoff teams. I'm also noticing some individual player fatigue. From out of nowhere, SR Jessica Kramer has been such an undersized, key inside cog for Whitworth this year. Still, she's played 10 times as many minutes this season as she had during her first 3 years. To her credit, she is categorically not a "pace yourself" type of player. The polar opposite, in fact. But it's clear to me watching, that she's starting to wear down physically. It's a long season - especially when it's your first season as a regular. Now Whitworth has over a week to rest up for the NCAAs, and the Bucs should really benefit from their mini-break.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on February 27, 2015, 04:10:59 PM
I went to George Fox to see their NWC semifinal game against Whitman.  In the end, the 78-64 win was probably just about what most of us expected, but there were some twists and turns in the story.

Kylie Dummer didn't play; I don't keep up with detailed news about the teams so I assume this is due to injury (or illness, the flu's been running rampant for weeks in Oregon).  Heckendorf started in her place.  On the one hand, it's a demonstration of the Bruins' depth that they can replace a starter with Heckendorf (who I think it a better player than Dummer anyway).  But it did leave the Bruins' bench thin at forward.  Hobert is a capable sub, but played only 11 minutes.  Benner had to play 36 minutes and Codling played 26 (and probably would've played more, but she fouled out).  It helps that the Bruins' PG, Blizzard, has the size of a forward.  Still there were some moments when the Bruins went with a three guard lineup, including a minute or two in the second half when they had their three shortest players on the court (Morris, Miner, and Frost). 

The Bruins' buzzsaw defense was in full display.  They put four defenders in the backcourt and Whitman had tremendous difficulty in the first half, falling behind by as much as 38-12.  And by as much as 30 points in the second half, but they gradually adjusted to the pressure.  They'd bring their fifth player, who normally hung out deep, into the backcourt.  Normally this would be what the defense would want, to increase the congestion in the backcourt even more, but Whitman did this in a careful fashion, having that fifth player sprint in to receive a pass and relieve the pressure, while players with ballhandling skills streaked up the sidelines.  Those attacks up the sidelines (either as ballhandlers or receivers) were what enabled Whitman to handle the George Fox press in the second half.  Whitman also started playing very good team defense and outscored George Fox in the second half, but the game was basically already decided and Whitman got no closer than 14 points in the second half.

It was nonetheless good to see that Whitman went down fighting, with a strong second half performance.  Did George Fox let up and play with less effort?  I don't think so; it wouldn't be like them to play with less than full intensity, and Coach Meek never did clear his bench (except perhaps by giving Jamieson and Creech a token minute of play at the end of the first half).  OTOH it's easy to subconsciously let the effort level slip a level. 

Another sign of the Bruins' dominant first half:  Heather Johns was scoreless, and perhaps even more unbelievably shot only three field goal attempts.  To my eyes it didn't seem that the Bruins' defense was focused on her, certainly they weren't  playing a box and one.  They double-teamed her, but they were also double-teaming whoever had the ball.  In the second half she was more Johns-like, with 14 points in 18 minutes.  Better Whitman offense?  George Fox relaxing on defense in the second half?  I don't know, but to me the bigger mystery and bigger news was how she was throttled in the first half.

Casey Poe ended up leading Whitman in scoring.  She's been a strong-looking freshman all season, so in that sense no news.  Visually, I didn't think she looked very strong in this game -- in the first half alone, she shot three airballs.  These were not ordinary airballs, they were airballs which looked bad even as they were launched, shots that looked like they were coming from a player who didn't know what she was doing but decided that she had to shoot even though she had no confidence that it was a good idea to shoot. 

But subjective memories and appearances can be deceiving.  In the boxscore, she was 9-13 from the field for the game -- and 4-7 in the first half -- so you can forget about my subjective judgements.  By any objective standard that's good shooting, especially in the context of a game in which Whitman was struggling againt George Fox's defense.

A career high 31 points for Morris, but even in her freshman year she demonstrated explosive scoring capability.  With George Fox's great depth as well as all-conference players such as Munger and Benner around, there's been little call or reason for her to score bundles of points. 

I've been very impressed by Naluai this season, but she didn't have a particularly strong game against Whitman.  Frost has been deeper on the bench, but made big contributions in this game.  She was the first player off the bench in the second half, played 17 minutes (I was a bit surprised to see that this is not a career high for her, although it's close), and to me has looked good all season and looks to have a strong future.  Miner looked good too, more confident and more a part of the team rather than a deep sub off the bench.

Warning signs for George Fox?  Whitman outscored them 30-14 in the last 14 minutes of the game.  Maybe the game was well in hand and George Fox relaxed, although to me it looked more like Whitman figured out how to counter the Bruins' fullcourt pressure.  More worrisome is how the George Fox offense seemed to stagnate in the second half.  If George Fox relaxed because the game was under control, I'd expect that to affect the offense less. I wouldn't be surprised if George Fox has the best defense in the country (I haven't seen other top colleges' games so I cannot say for sure), but their offense seems less strong.


Looking at the D3Hoops pre-season rankings, many of us thought George Fox was underrated and snubbed to be left out of the Top 25 rankings (arguably #42) and although I didn't expect them to be this strong this fast, we were on the whole right about them.  The D3 rankings were amazingly accurate about Whitworth, whereas I thought Whitworth would drop off due to the loss of key seniors.  I don't know if anybody saw UPS coming.  And Whitman, contrary to my expectations as well as the D3Hoops pre-season rankings, did not finish in the Top 25.  They are still a strong team and if they were invited to the tournament they could win some games.  But there are always some teams that are left out of the tournament who could've won some games.  As D3wbbfan has already observed, Coach Ferenz perhaps involuntarily finally ended up playing a lineup similar to what D3wbbfan had been recommending.  I will put in a word for Hailey McDonald though.  Her offensive game is extremely limited and she probably should not have been a starter this season.  But she's good at defense and clearly relishes the physical and athletic challenge of going out there and trying to tear things up.  She was on the floor for much of Whitman's "comeback" against George Fox.  It's the same defensive spirit that I saw in Hannah Lekson who probably gave herself a concussion diving for a pass against Lewis and Clark, and George Fox's trademark destructive defense.  It's all over the NWC, but what makes the NWC really great to watch is that so many of the players and teams also have the individual and team offensive skills to deal with that defensive pressure.  (To some extent at least; obviously no one has done so enough to actually beat the Bruins' defense, but UPS did manage to score 73 points against them, and I am very much looking forward to Saturday's matchup.)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on February 27, 2015, 07:04:09 PM
Oh I forgot to mention the distinguished fans in the stands at the George Fox game.  Without their uniforms I can't recognize all the players, but I could certainly recognize former Lewis and Clark standout Taylor Wang, who was there with two other people; I think one was current Pio player Kaitlin Mathewson and I didn't recognize the other person, though she did look like a basketball player.  A pretty good turnout of NWC rivals.  Taylor presumably graduated last year, but perhaps like many other college graduates has chosen to hang around near her alma mater.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 02, 2015, 09:09:35 AM
Dear NCAA Selection Committee,

The Northwest Conference has had a representative in the championship game 3 of the last 6 years. (2009, 2012, 2014) That may be not part of the criteria, but please find a way to make it possible for more than one NWC school to advance beyond round 2.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 02, 2015, 01:49:08 PM
Regardless of the way the ball bounces, good going to the NWC women this year on a national scale.
Go deep Somebody!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Manny24 on March 02, 2015, 03:54:20 PM
Looks like 2nd round is it again BruinFan. With only two from the NWC  (Whitworth not making the draw.)

I do have to say I like the odds GF or Puget Sound has to get to  the Elite 8 before they run into Calvin or DePauw in order to get to Grand Rapids
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 02, 2015, 09:51:39 PM
Yes Manny, I think both teams are capable of competing well against every potential opponent.

I'm torn on the UPS vs. CMS game on Friday. A win by UPS helps the status of the Northwest Conference, but I really don't won't George Fox to have to play them again.

I think CMS is stronger than previous recent champions from that conference, but UPS should still be a slight favorite.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 06, 2015, 02:40:48 AM
A belated thought about George Fox's recent victories over Whitman and UPS:  both games saw George Fox's pressure defense take a heavy toll early in the game.  Whitman was especially flummoxed, falling behind by as much as 38-12 and committing 10 turnovers in the first half (compared to 4 for the Bruins).  But after that they played better and outscored the Bruins in the second half, although the game was pretty well under the Bruins' control by then.

UPS was able to get the ball out of backcourt more easily and quickly and never fell behind by more than 33-20.  But they ran into George Fox's defensive buzzsaw in the frontcourt, and ended the first half with 16 turnovers to the Bruins' 3.  But again in the second half the Bruins were outscored and the points margin stayed between 3 and 10 points throughout the second half.

Both Whitman and UPS are veteran, tough teams.  They went toe-to-toe with George Fox in their second halves and were fully competitive.  But the defensive pressure by George Fox in the first half of both games was decisive.  Watching the games, I didn't detect anything special or different, but I wonder if Coach Meek was unleashing new and unexpected defensive wrinkles, which caught Whitman and UPS by surprise until they were able to better deal with the defense in the second half?

A similar question then applies to the tournament games.  George Fox's opponents will undoubtedly know that the Bruins play very tough pressure defense.  But will they have video and scouting reports that will enable them to practice against that sort of defense as they prepare to face the Bruins?  Especially if Coach Meek is now unleashing a stash of secret weapon defenses that even his experienced NWC rivals weren't ready for?

Or were there no special tactics, just good execution, in the first halves of the Whitman and UPS games?


Although the biggest mistake that one can make is to underestimate one's opponent, I'm fully expecting a George Fox victory in the first round, and they might not even have to unleash all of their defensive tactics against PSU Abington.  I expect that UPS will handle Claremont-Mudd-Scripps as well -- but if CMS does win and face George Fox in the second round, they'll be somewhat familiar because George Fox travelled to southern California this December and beat CMS by 15.   But I think it's possible that the Bruins will be able to show CMS some defensive wrinkles that they didn't see in December.

The more likely outcome is UPS vs George Fox yet again.  George Fox easily the favorite, but that NWC final game, even though led by George Fox for almost all of the game, was still up for grabs with less than a minute left.  UPS is very tough, and I'm guessing has by now seen all of the weapons in the Bruins' armory.  So I expect it to come down to execution more than tactics.  A game very much worth watching, if indeed that is what the second round matchup is.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: silentk on March 07, 2015, 03:19:46 PM
I am happy and sad about tonight's match up between GFU and UPS.  I'm happy that two NWC teams made it to the second round but I wish they didn't have to play each other for the fourth time this season.  They are both better than being knocked out in the second round in my opinion.  It's hard to beat the same team four times in one season and it's hard to beat a team that's beat you the first three times.  I completely get why they are playing each other but it's just unfortunate.
I went to both games at GFU yesterday and it was interesting to see UPS do the same thing to CMS that they did to GFU in the NWC Championship Game (getting beat in the first half and coming back in the second).
GFU played later in the evening but the starters are way more rested than UPS.  The GFU starters played an average of 17 minutes last night.  The UPS starters played an average of 31.6 minutes.  It should be an interesting match up. Good luck to both NWC teams!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 08, 2015, 12:24:33 PM
I agree with your sentiments silentk about the conference having no opportunity to have two teams advance to a sectional. UPS loses 5 games all year and four of them were to George Fox. Two of those games were decided by 4 and 5 points respectively.

Does anyone know when and how to learn who will be hosting the sectionals?
I would love to be wrong, but I assume that George Fox and which ever Texas team wins today will be sent to either Calvin or DePauw. It will be interesting to see which one is selected given that Calvin is hosting the Final 4. Fans have lots of opinions about this, but it does not appear that the predetermined Final 4 host is a part of any official criteria for the selection committee when determining the sectional hosts.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: silentk on March 08, 2015, 01:17:54 PM
I'm hoping that NCAA will pony up and send everyone out to GFU.  I know it's a long shot but they have to fly at least two teams so they could fly three and have them come to Newberg.

I do think I was right about minutes the previous night factoring into the game.  Many of the UPS players looked tired at the game.

Congrats to both NWC teams on great seasons!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Roundball999 on March 08, 2015, 01:20:06 PM
Quote from: silentk on March 08, 2015, 01:17:54 PM
I'm hoping that NCAA will pony up and send everyone out to GFU.  I know it's a long shot but they have to fly at least two teams so they could fly three and have them come to Newberg.

I do think I was right about minutes the previous night factoring into the game.  Many of the UPS players looked tired at the game.

Congrats to both NWC teams on great seasons!

Looks like they're going to Calvin for next round.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: silentk on March 08, 2015, 02:13:48 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on March 08, 2015, 01:20:06 PM
Quote from: silentk on March 08, 2015, 01:17:54 PM
I'm hoping that NCAA will pony up and send everyone out to GFU.  I know it's a long shot but they have to fly at least two teams so they could fly three and have them come to Newberg.

I do think I was right about minutes the previous night factoring into the game.  Many of the UPS players looked tired at the game.

Congrats to both NWC teams on great seasons!

Looks like they're going to Calvin for next round.
It doesn't shock me.  I was just hoping since Calvin is hosting the Final 4 that they wouldn't give it to them.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 11, 2015, 10:11:02 PM
The Bruins are off to Michigan!  Great job last weekend with the wins in rounds 1 and 2. Stay focused and play your game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 13, 2015, 09:03:12 PM
Whewww - a nailbiter and the Bruins came away with the win!  Now they have a chance to watch their next opponent in person and settled down for a tough one tomorrow. UT-Dallas represented very well and pushed George Fox to the very end.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: realist on March 13, 2015, 09:24:21 PM
Great win for GF.  What did you think of the VNA?, and what did you think of Calvin vs, the Tigers?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: DBQ1965 on March 13, 2015, 10:44:55 PM
Saw two good games tonight at Calvin.  GFU played tough against UTD.  Met a GFU family ... won't name them lest I jinx the player tomorrow night ... but they were good folk.  Calvin had their hands full with Depauw's pressure defense but pulled away with about 6 minutes to go.  Tomorrow's game should be good.  It may come down to who expended the most energy tonight.  GFU and Calvin both move the ball well ... play disciplined offense ... it may well come down to who is hot on the threes.  I lean toward toward the underdog ... who ever that will be ... the home court Knights or the higher ranked Bruins.  Should be a heck of a game.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 13, 2015, 11:22:09 PM
Foxy Ladies!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: NWCSportsFan on March 14, 2015, 07:37:31 PM
Having trouble getting video of GF-Calvin game.  Anyone else?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: DBQ1965 on March 14, 2015, 08:26:29 PM
GFU up by 6 at the half.  Calvin having trouble with the pressure defense. Second half should be interesting.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: DBQ1965 on March 14, 2015, 08:35:43 PM
15:56 second half.GFU 43 Calvin 29
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: DBQ1965 on March 14, 2015, 08:50:49 PM
Second half officiating is very loose.  9:35 GFU leads by 10
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: DBQ1965 on March 14, 2015, 09:03:12 PM
4:03. GFU 66.  Calvin 51
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 14, 2015, 09:31:42 PM
GFU defeats Calvin 78-63.

Bruins win battle between two teams that really like to apply defensive pressure. Congrats to Calvin on a great season.

GF in the Final Four for the 3rd time in 7 years.
Word is that GF has permission to stay in Grand Rapids for the week rather than fly back and forth to Oregon. I have not confirmed that information yet.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: DBQ1965 on March 14, 2015, 09:45:07 PM
Final:  GFU 78.  Calvin. 63

See you in grand Rapids
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: DBQ1965 on March 14, 2015, 09:46:56 PM
Quote from: BruinFan on March 14, 2015, 09:31:42 PM
GFU defeats Calvin 78-63.

Bruins win battle between two teams that really like to apply defensive pressure. Congrats to Calvin on a great season.

GF in the Final Four for the 3rd time in 7 years.
Word is that GF has permission to stay in Grand Rapids for the week rather than fly back and forth to Oregon. I have not confirmed that information yet.

I heard the same thing from a GFU player's mother.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 15, 2015, 06:52:05 PM
I have confirmation... they are staying in Grand Rapids.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 15, 2015, 07:45:51 PM
Dave,
Staying in Grand Rapids was a school decision. I don't think the NCAA is paying.

You mentioned on Hoopsville that 7 out 8 hosts moved on to the Final Four. Maybe I misunderstood, but what about GFU winning @Calvin?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 15, 2015, 08:01:14 PM
It's called not counting correctly... I was thinking about my ballot and not the home teams LOL
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: realist on March 16, 2015, 12:06:50 PM
Quote from: BruinFan on March 15, 2015, 07:45:51 PM
Dave,
Staying in Grand Rapids was a school decision. I don't think the NCAA is paying.

You mentioned on Hoopsville that 7 out 8 hosts moved on to the Final Four. Maybe I misunderstood, but what about GFU winning @Calvin?

Calvin is on break this week.   It makes perfect sense to just stay in GR.  Why the NCAA would rather pay for all those extra tickes as opposed to hotels, and meals makes a person scratch their head a bit.  Calvin has a conference center/hotel on campus, and I am sure GF would find Calvin to be gracious hosts. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 16, 2015, 01:33:14 PM
IF the NCAA is paying for the hotels and rooms... I promise you it is going to end up being cheaper than two flights back and forth. However, I am not sure the NCAA is paying for the extra days... I have not heard they are.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 16, 2015, 01:40:52 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 16, 2015, 01:33:14 PM
IF the NCAA is paying for the hotels and rooms... I promise you it is going to end up being cheaper than two flights back and forth. However, I am not sure the NCAA is paying for the extra days... I have not heard they are.

I was told by the local organizing committee that the NCAA needed to give permission for George Fox to stay but that indeed, they did so.

George Fox can't practice in the arena until Thursday, when the other teams arrive, but they are practicing at a local high school and I understand they are using Calvin academic space to proctor some exams (perhaps ones that were missed for travel last week).
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: realist on March 17, 2015, 02:57:06 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 16, 2015, 01:40:52 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 16, 2015, 01:33:14 PM
IF the NCAA is paying for the hotels and rooms... I promise you it is going to end up being cheaper than two flights back and forth. However, I am not sure the NCAA is paying for the extra days... I have not heard they are.

I was told by the local organizing committee that the NCAA needed to give permission for George Fox to stay but that indeed, they did so.

George Fox can't practice in the arena until Thursday, when the other teams arrive, but they are practicing at a local high school and I understand they are using Calvin academic space to proctor some exams (perhaps ones that were missed for travel last week).
Thanks for that information Pat.  Would Calvin have been allowed to practice on the VNA floor if they had made the final 4? 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on March 17, 2015, 03:25:53 PM
Quote from: realist on March 17, 2015, 02:57:06 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 16, 2015, 01:40:52 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 16, 2015, 01:33:14 PM
IF the NCAA is paying for the hotels and rooms... I promise you it is going to end up being cheaper than two flights back and forth. However, I am not sure the NCAA is paying for the extra days... I have not heard they are.

I was told by the local organizing committee that the NCAA needed to give permission for George Fox to stay but that indeed, they did so.

George Fox can't practice in the arena until Thursday, when the other teams arrive, but they are practicing at a local high school and I understand they are using Calvin academic space to proctor some exams (perhaps ones that were missed for travel last week).
Thanks for that information Pat.  Would Calvin have been allowed to practice on the VNA floor if they had made the final 4?

That is an awesome question. Which I don't have the answer to!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 20, 2015, 09:59:17 AM
Game Day!!!!!   I wish there was a way to pipe the cheering from Newberg into the Calvin arena. Very few are able to travel to Michigan, but the fans in Oregon are ready to cheer loudly today.

Here is a fun piece on the current juniors at GFU.

http://athletics.georgefox.edu/sports/wbkb/2014-15/releases/201503194pcpuz
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 20, 2015, 10:22:32 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 17, 2015, 03:25:53 PM
Quote from: realist on March 17, 2015, 02:57:06 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 16, 2015, 01:40:52 PM
Quote from: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 16, 2015, 01:33:14 PM
IF the NCAA is paying for the hotels and rooms... I promise you it is going to end up being cheaper than two flights back and forth. However, I am not sure the NCAA is paying for the extra days... I have not heard they are.

I was told by the local organizing committee that the NCAA needed to give permission for George Fox to stay but that indeed, they did so.

George Fox can't practice in the arena until Thursday, when the other teams arrive, but they are practicing at a local high school and I understand they are using Calvin academic space to proctor some exams (perhaps ones that were missed for travel last week).
Thanks for that information Pat.  Would Calvin have been allowed to practice on the VNA floor if they had made the final 4?

That is an awesome question. Which I don't have the answer to!

I've been told that Calvin would have been allowed to practice on their home floor. Also, most of the costs for George Fox to stay in Grand Rapids are expected to be picked up by the NCAA.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 20, 2015, 10:28:17 PM
George Fox takes care of business and represents the Northwest Conference with another victory.
This makes the 4th time in 7 years that the NWC has a team in the championship game. Here are the conferences by total appearances in the final with the year. (going back to 2009)

NWC (2009, 2012, 2014,2015)
UAA (2009, 2010, 2011)
MIAA (2010)
NESCAC (2011)
CCIW (2012)
NCAC (2013)
MACF (2014)
PAC (2015)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 21, 2015, 12:34:26 AM
It's interesting that the only conference which comes close to the NWC on that list is the UAA, which consists of schools which are very non-Division 3-ish in nature.  Instead of the small colleges which typify much of Division 3, the UAA consists of research universities, typically with enrollments of around 10,000 students and endowments of billions of dollars.  Although they have to comply with the same rules prohibiting athletic scholarships that the other Div 3 schools do, one would have to think they have resource advantages in terms of hiring coaches, facilities, travel, etc. 

The Bruins' buzzsaw defense was predictably key in the semifinal game.  Almost as predictably their offense was not overwhelming but was good enough.  I was a bit surprised at their rebounding dominance. 

The championship game will for the first time feature two undefeated teams.  I know nothing about Thomas More but they are clearly a strong team.  Good luck to the Bruins and the NWC!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 21, 2015, 01:24:59 AM
Quote from: mkt on March 21, 2015, 12:34:26 AM
It's interesting that the only conference which comes close to the NWC on that list is the UAA, which consists of schools which are very non-Division 3-ish in nature.  Instead of the small colleges which typify much of Division 3, the UAA consists of research universities, typically with enrollments of around 10,000 students and endowments of billions of dollars.  Although they have to comply with the same rules prohibiting athletic scholarships that the other Div 3 schools do, one would have to think they have resource advantages in terms of hiring coaches, facilities, travel, etc. 

The Bruins' buzzsaw defense was predictably key in the semifinal game.  Almost as predictably their offense was not overwhelming but was good enough.  I was a bit surprised at their rebounding dominance. 

The championship game will for the first time feature two undefeated teams.  I know nothing about Thomas More but they are clearly a strong team.  Good luck to the Bruins and the NWC!

Washington University (St.Louis) is the UAA school that made it those three years. There was a run by WashU around 1999/2000 where they won the National Championship four years in a row.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on March 21, 2015, 06:56:27 PM
Yep, Wash U. was an unstoppable juggernaut back in the day. They won four straight titles from 1998-2000.

http://www.d3hoops.com/archives/index

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 21, 2015, 11:30:42 PM
Good job Foxes.
Got to play flawless to beat a #1 team.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on March 24, 2015, 07:30:07 AM
Thomas More was certainly a very tough team.  The Bruins defense to some extent did its usual job, pressuring Thomas More into 24 turnovers (which rather interestingly was not a season high; they had 27 turnovers against Cabrini in a close game).  But aside from that Thomas More was able to both get some good shots and more importantly make them at a high rate. 

In contrast George Fox shot rather poorly.  The Bruins' strength all along was more in their defense than in their offense, but the offense seemed to especially desert them this game.  I though Benner and Codling looked tentative offensively, missing shots when pressured and committing turnovers.  Even the Bruins' free throw shooting seemed to be affected.  Nerves?  Perhaps, OTOH Naulai did not look tentative -- yet was also one of the players who missed free throws and committed turnovers. 

And then, rebounding.  Thomas More out-rebounded George Fox by even more than their usual margin; again even though George Fox was not a powerhouse rebounding team I would not have expected them to get beat on the boards so badly.

If I had to make an evaluation, I would guess that this year's George Fox squad was not blessed with huge amounts of high level talent and athleticism.  What they did have was extremely good team play (especially defensively, obviously) plus excellent depth.  That got them to 32-0.  But when they faced a really top team, Thomas More's offense could still deliver (after getting past the turnovers that the Bruins caused) whereas the Bruins faltered.  And roster depth can only help a certain amount in a single tournament game; there can only be five players on the court and 40 minutes in the game.  Conversely a player such as Moss can carry a team for a single game.  (Not that Thomas More was all Moss; Owings in particular looked amazing for a freshman PG, and Santamaria and even Huber shot amazingly.  Kiernan scored 16 points in 16 minutes but I think much of that was due to her teammates drawing the defenders, leaving Kiernan open.)

In short the Bruins could've performed better, but it is clear who the #1 team  is.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: catmac567 on April 08, 2015, 12:49:38 AM
Linfield College is now searching for a new women's basketball coach. Robin Potera-Haskins submitted her resignation as women's basketball coach and physical education professor effective immediately.  Apparently she wants to pursue other opportunities.
It will be interesting to see who they might attract, given the lack of support from the administration (athletic and college) for basketball (both mens & womens) or any sport
that is not football or baseball. I would guess the new coach will have a teaching load as well as coaching. I would not consider this a very desirable position.  Glad to see she is gone, frankly, she should never have been hired after her termination from Montana State.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on April 08, 2015, 01:05:45 AM
If Linfield is smart they'll find a way to pry away Casey Kushiyama from Whitman College. He's an excellent coach who knows the NWC well and has been part of success at three different schools within the conference. They were crazy enough to let him get away in 2010 after guiding them steadily through a very cloudy year. If they can find a way to bring him back, Linfield will be contending for one of the top 4 seeds in the Northwest Conference much sooner than later.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on April 08, 2015, 01:51:30 PM
Quote from: catmac567 on April 08, 2015, 12:49:38 AM
Linfield College is now searching for a new women's basketball coach. Robin Potera-Haskins submitted her resignation as women's basketball coach and physical education professor effective immediately.  Apparently she wants to pursue other opportunities.

Lot of entries on that resume.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Andy Jamison - Walla Walla Wildcat on April 08, 2015, 05:58:08 PM
Would like to see Linfield find a coach with a proven track record of on-court success either at the high school or college level.  Someone like Mike Meeks who was at Southridge High School prior to taking over at George Fox.  I'm not sure who would be interested in the position but I'd expect a number of applicants given that there are only so many head coaching opportunities available each year.

I'd be interested to hear the scuttlebutt on why she is leaving in such a sudden manner.  In the 25 years that I've been associated with Linfield I don't know if we have ever had a top 3 NWC team on the women's side.  Has it been that the coaches have not been good choices or is there simply no support for the program (meaning that they look to hire coaches who aren't going to rock the status quo...i.e. football and baseball)? Softball has done very well although the head coach for that is also the football DC.

There is no reason that we can't have a very good women's team.  The academic standards aren't as much of a barrier as at other NWC schools.  Nor is the cost of Linfield. The facilities are great.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on April 10, 2015, 01:42:24 PM
I was curious about the same thing regarding Linfield's program.

According to our conference guidebook, the Wildcats have never won the NWC in women's basketball and made the NCAA tournament once, back in 2000.  They finished 12-4 in conference and tied for third but the NWC put four teams in the NCAA tournament that year. George Fox beat Linfield in the first round and eventually lost to St. Thomas in the Sweet 16.

Since 2000 Linfield has finished over .500 in conference just once, at 9-7 in 2007.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: catmac567 on April 15, 2015, 05:09:48 PM
Very interesting article in the April 13 edition of the Linfield Review about Robin Potera-Haskins resignation as women's basketball coach.  From the tone of the article, it could be interpreted that she was given encouragement to resign. 
"Two years ago the coach was the subject of a NCAA investigation. 'I can see why there was an investigation because that was the year we were practicing the most, but it wasn't even in the heart of the season when there were even more problems. That investigation caused more problems on our team than it was worth, especially because the NCAA never even found anything', a senior and former member of the team said."   

There are several more statements from former team members, with not so positive statements about her coaching style. I find it telling that no names are given in the article.   It appears that Coach Potera-Haskins came very close to going over the line as to what might constitute abuse.   It is sad that the powers that be chose to hire her, even with the reputation she brought after her experience at Montana State. Then again, no one has ever said that the Athletic Administrators at Linfield were another Albert Einstein.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: catmac567 on May 05, 2015, 05:01:13 PM
Linfield College has hired Casey Bunn as women's basketball coach.  She was girls varsity basketball coach at Tualatin High School, and played collegiately at Oregon State University.
She appears to be very qualified, and I hope for the best for women's basketball at Linfield under her leadership.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: cawcdad on November 29, 2015, 12:55:03 PM
Last night I saw why the George Fox women are ranked #4 in the country as they beat a pretty fair UC Santa Cruz squad 78-60. I am still out of breath as the Bruins play a very up tempo game flying all over the court on offense and have a very smothering full court defense. They will go inside on you and they hit a ton from beyond the arc. They never slow down. I'm interested to see how far this group will go.
Images at http://blog.d3photography.com/2015/11/slideshow-women-s-basketball-uc-santa-cruz-vs-george-fox-november-28-2015/
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on December 03, 2015, 01:57:48 AM
Thanks, I've been hoping for some pre-season and early-season reports.  Yes, George Fox looks ready to rampage through their schedule again.

In Div 3, so far I've only seen Whitman's visit to Warner Pacific College.  Whitman won fairly easily, but I don't know how good Warner Pacific is; they play NAIA Div II, started this season 0-3 -- but against three NCAA Div I teams -- and have won all of their games since, except for the Whitman game.  Which suggests they're pretty good at least in the NAIA, but currently the NAIA poll has them only 4th in their conference.

Whitman's players all seemed to range from 5'8" to 5'10".  That can be advantageous with their usual hustling athletic defense because they can do a lot of switching without creating mismatches.  But I think a lack of size will hurt them when they face high quality D3 teams.  Hailey Ann Maeda had a strong game scoring-wise, but scored most of her points on drives rather than with post moves.

My early guess is that Whitman's players have developed enough from last year to make up for the loss of Heather Johns (and Lovelace), but not more than that.  So a good team, but not one destined for the NCAA tournament.  But we'll see.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 13, 2015, 05:45:22 PM
As we close in on the holiday break, many teams have made some significant moves in the early part of the season. Tonight on Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com), Dave talks to teams who find themselves in good position before some time off, but can they keep up the momentum?

Watch Hoopsville LIVE at 7pm ET: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/dec13 (http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/dec13)

Guests include (in order):
- Michelle Ferenz, Whitman women's coach
- Keith Mondillo, Gwynedd Mercy women's coach
- Jamie Benton, Johnson and Wales men's coach
- Page Moir, Roanoke men's coach

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
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AND our podcast as been approved for iTunes!!! Just search for it or follow it via this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 04, 2016, 12:36:19 AM
Happy New Year everyone. Regular readers of this board likely know that the Northwest Conference has had a team in the national championship game 4 times during the last 7 years. What about this year?  I don't see it happening and have been uneasy about the George Fox high ranking most of the season.

The conference is still strong, just too much change to be confident a Final Four is in the bunch at this point. There is just one non-conference game left to be played and then conference play resumes on January 5. Normally no conference games are played prior to January, but this season one week of games took place in early December with all teams getting in 2 games.

Before I run through the conference, congratulations to Cal Lutheran on their honorary membership status in the NWC this year having played 6 NWC schools in non-conference and going 5-1 (3 of those games were played in the Northwest even). If Cal Lu wins the SCIAC, they will not be an easy out by any stretch in the first or second round of the national tournament.

After finishing everything that comes below the line I realize there is not much bang per word. So here is the short version and feel free to skip the rest.
George Fox, Whitman, and Whitworth are locks to make the conference tournament.
Puget Sound should finish 4th, but PLU could challenge.
Willamette continues to improve and Linfield will not be a push over.
The bottom will be made up of Pacific University and surprisingly Lewis and Clark.

In general, I believe that a historically strong conference will be even stronger top to bottom with the improvements of PLU, Willamette, and Linfield. The top teams will not have a night off, particularly on the road.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are thoughts and observations for those interested for what may come in NWC play. The teams are presented in order of predicted finish by the coaches preseason poll along with current overall and conference records.

George Fox (11-0, 2-0): Replacing Codling (1st team all conf.) and Morris (2nd team all conf.) and Heckendorf was going to be daunting. Conference coaches likely did not know that another starter, Dummer, was choosing to not play basketball this year when they voted Fox to finish #1. However, Naluai and Frost have stepped into the starting line-up very nicely. Kaitlin Jamieson (6-2 sophomore) is showing lots of growth over last year and is going to continue to get better. Blizzard missed the start of the season, but is now back in her regular starting spot. Benner (1st team last year as a junior) could be MVP of the conference.

The Bruins started conference play with a 33-6 first quarter against Puget Sound. One of the best 10 minutes of basketball I have seen in a long time. They also struggled at Pacific the next day and had to overcome a 20+ point deficit at Claremont Mudd Scripps to win by one point. Depending on which version of the Bruins shows up most of the time, they could make February and March difficult for others.  Prediction: Coaches got it right despite my lack of confidence. Bruins are the favorite to win the NWC.

Whitman (9-1, 2-0):  Unfortunately they had a non-conference game canceled and I don't know if it will be rescheduled. The lost a lot of talent and leadership to graduation, but have plenty coming back with experience as starters or contributing off the bench. They only added a pair of first year players and are hoping that the injury bug that has plagued them in recent years has run its course. Given that Coach Ferenz is in her 15th season and the players know her system, they will be solid. I was puzzled by just the one point victory at home over Lewis and Clark. Prediction: Over the long haul, Whitman will clearly be in the hunt for the conference title. They should be getting more Top 25 attention as I believe that history merits the NWC always having two teams in the top 20.

Whitworth (7-4, 2-0): Helen Higgs is now in her 22nd season as the Pirate's head coach. The pirates lost 4 starters to graduation and have 8 or 9 new players. However, McConnell (1st team all-conf.) returns and will be a contender for MVP. Spokane is a tough road trip for everyone and Whitworth will be ready. Prediction: Pirates will finish in the top 4 and make the conference play-off.

Puget Sound (6-5, 1-1): UPS has 2 starters back from last year's strong 24-5 team. They are working to blend in 7 new first year players. Results have been inconsistent which comes with losing first and second team all conference players. Prediction: A likely 4th place finish, but in no way a lock. There are 2 or 3 other teams that may be ready to challenge for that spot.

Lewis and Clark (1-10, 0-2): Coaches likely did not know when the preseason voting was done that Sarah Anderson went down with a season ending injury. She was going to be a critical senior leader for this young team under 2nd year coach Asha Jordan. In addition, I'm not sure why Afolabi (sophomore) did not play most of the non-conference games. She is just working her way back into the rotation and has yet to start. I don't think they are going to have many nights like they did at Whitman and nearly steal a win against a good team. Prediction: Young team, injuries, young coach - my how quickly the Pioneers have fallen and will struggle to finish any better than last.

Pacific (5-6, 0-2): Another new coach to the conference. Jennifer Mountain is in her first year and has D1 head coaching experience (Santa Clara). Only 4 returning players on the entire roster and 1 starter back. Prediction: Other teams have improved and the Boxers will likely be in the bottom 3 this year.

Linfield (7-4, 0-2): First year coach Casey Bunn has her team playing hard. Even though they lost both games, they have the road trip to Whitworth and Whitman out of the way. Prediction: Have a shot at finishing 8-8 in conference, but unlikely to finish in the top 4.

Willamette (8-2, 1-1): Willamette has already won one more game than all of last year. I don't think they played great competition, but experience any success is the first step to beginning to win. Prediction: Willamette will have the biggest improvement in the conference win-loss record of anyone after going 2-14 last year. Still a longshot to contend for a conference play-off spot.

Pacific Lutheran (5-6, 1-1): PLU has matched last season's win total and is just one conference win away from equaling the total from 2014-15. They did not have any seniors last year and brought in 7 more first year players this year. They appear to be on the right track. Prediction: The Lutes will be in the hunt with Willamette for greatest increase in wins over last year. The coaches missed this one, as PLU will not only have a shot at a 8-8 conference record, but if everything falls into place could find themselves competing for a conference play-off spot going into the final weekend of the season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 10, 2016, 11:38:34 PM
Week #2 of NWC play
Big Winners:  Whitman wins by 3 at Whitworth - few teams win in Spokane these days. This sets up Whitman's game at George Fox on January 15. Whitman should be top 20 - only loss is to Cal Lutheran who should also be in the top 20. (Cal Lutheran's only D3 loss is at George Fox by 2).
Willamette nearly upsets UPS on the road (loses by 3), but then rebounds with 9 point home win against Linfield. Stakes their claim to being a factor this year and at 2-2 has equaled their conference win total from last year.

Not so good:
Pacific Lutheran 0-2 on the road is not unusual in this conference, but I thought they were ready to do better than losing by 14 at Linfield and then by 32 at George Fox.

Looking ahead - most significant games of week 3.
Friday, Jan. 15:  Whitman at George Fox (combined 24-1 between them); winner takes the early lead in the NWC
Whitworth at Willamette - Intriguing, this would be a big step for Willamette if they keep it close, or even win


Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 15, 2016, 05:00:39 AM
Thanks for the preview and updates BruinFan!  Your evaluation of the NWC teams sounds plausible; I haven't seen any games since Whitman's non-conference win over Warner Pacific but I'm planning to see some games this weekend.  I usually pay little attention to D3 men's basketball, but with the Whitworth men ranked #1 by D3Hoops, I'm planning to see some of their games too.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 16, 2016, 01:42:14 AM
Hey mkt - you are welcome. Great atmosphere Friday night as Whitman visited George Fox. Tenacious defense by Whitman created a slow start for George Fox. Whitman also was well prepared for the Bruin press. Eventually the George Fox 3-point shooting gave them a lift and grew the lead to the final margin of 66-50 to remain undefeated. I still believe Whitman is a top 20 team.

Congrats to Bruin's junior Kimberly Frost for a career high 17 points. A very quick guard who showed she can also hit the 3.

Mkt - Men's note - Willamette stayed with Whitworth most of the game tonight and had leads throughout, but lost in overtime.

Saturday Whitworth comes to George Fox with the women's game at 4 and the men at 6. For the men this will be the second #1 ranked d3hoops.com team to visit Miller Gym this season. Augustana came out in December and played Puget Sound, Lewis and Clark, and the Bruins.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 17, 2016, 10:32:37 AM
Yup, no way that I was going to miss seeing the #2 womens team and the #1 mens team (according to D3Hoops' rankings) all in one gym in one night!

It was not surprising that the George Fox women won, and equally unsurprising that Whitworth did make them work for that win, despite being at their usual severe height disadvantage and despite KC McConnell having to spend the last 25 minutes or so of the game limping due to an injury (she appeared to be icing her right quadriceps, a little above the knee, during her times recovering on the bench).  But even with a gimpy leg she kept sinking baskets.

Thanks to the free online video coverage, I also watched most of Friday's Whitman women @ GFU game as well as the exciting overtime Whitworth men @ Willamette game.  But it's not nearly as good as seeing the games live.

Revelations to me:  Kaitlin Jamieson of course; this was the first time I'd seen her this season.  Granted her 27 points came against an undersized Whitworth team, but I don't think she could've had a game like that last year.  And Benner didn't have nearly as much success, especially in the first half where similarly to last year's final she didn't look comfortable on offense.  (She did however have 5 assists in the first half, which I hadn't realized until the PA announcer gave the first half stats.)

I think Kimberly Frost was generally under-noticed and under-appreciated last year, but people are surely noticing her now.  I can see her being around 2nd team all-conference next season, maybe even 1st team.  In the meantime she continues to harass ball-handlers all over the court on defense, and blow by defenders on offense using her tremendous speed.  I still think that she is the fastest player in the conference (one of the very few areas where I disagree with d3wbbfan's judgement last year that Naluai was the fastest player on the Bruins -- BTW we haven't seen a post fro d3wbban for quite awhile, which is a shame).

Torregano adds some nice 3-point shooting but also shows good driving ability too.

Even with that added offensive punch, I see a lot of similarities between last year's team and this year's team.  They are clearly a top team, mainly on the strength of their defense.  Their rebounding advantage over their opponents was small last year and based on their box scores so far this season it's even smaller now.  Their offense still appears to be prone to go stagnant with a lack of motion where they have to rely on a 1-on-1 move from Naluai to get a shot off.  So, like last year, a top team but not without weaknesses.

Other teams:  Faith Emerson provided some badly needed quality play from a big; looking at last year's stats I see that she did play a good number of minutes but I didn't have much memory of her play:  my canonical image of Whitworth's recent strong teams is the way they'd play with just about every one of their players being between 5'7" and 5'9".  Cebula and Quinnett look like they can provide some badly needed height but they need to gain more experience.  Whitworth has some other promising-looking young players, but many of them are 5'4" or 5'5" so they won't help in the height department.  As usual with Whitworth and the NWC for that matter they are scrappy and hustling and athletic.  At one point freshman Sidney Riggs was chasing an errant ball out of bounds that was headed straight for the table where the scorekeepers and other observers were; she managed to dive for the ball but to do so in the air so that she ended up sailing atop the table instead of crashing straight into it.

Whitman's Hailey McDonald looks much improved on offense.  Her defense has always been superlative but if her boxscore said she went 0-2 with 1 or 2 turnovers, I used to consider that one of her better offensive games because the small number of events meant she hadn't hurt her team's offense too much.  But even just watching her online against GFU I could she that she's taking on many more offensive responsibilities this year, and doing all right; her box scores show the same thing.

As for the men's game, I watch very little men's college basketball so I can't evaluate them very well.  Whitworth certainly dismantled GFU.  I was expecting to see a little more height on Whitworth's roster (their starting center is 6'10" but he is the one starter who doesn't score very  much and he plays less than 17 minutes per game).  But their starting forwards, Jurlina and Valle, are multi-skilled.

The one thing that I saw online Friday night that was missing Saturday night:  the student section.  Friday online we could see that the students were wearing what can best be described as tinfoil hats.  One of them had a Boba Fett helmet which was presumably made of aluminum foil on top of cardboard, quite a good piece of work.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 17, 2016, 11:09:50 PM
mkt - I enjoyed the description of your first person observations from Saturday at George Fox. I was there as well and glad you could make it. I wish the students would come out in force every game. Friday's student sections were bolstered by a special promotion that encouraged the students to attend.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 17, 2016, 11:14:32 PM
Showout to D3 alum Scott Rueck, former head coach of George Fox University, where he won a national title in 2009 and over 275 games before moving to Oregon State.

His Oregon State Beaver team beat Stanford tonight for the first time since 2001. The Beavers are ranked and have made the national tournament the last two years. Scott has built a program that was at the bottom when he took over in 2010 to where they won the Pac-12 conference last year in his 5th season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 17, 2016, 11:40:33 PM
Week 3 of NWC Play
Congrats to Pacific University with 2 road wins this week, defeating UPS by 8 in overtime and then PLU by 9. Quite a way to get in the win column after starting 0-4 in conference. Willamette may have lost both games at home, but still much improved over the past as the scores were respectable 11 point deficits to both Whitworth and Whitman.
Lewis and Clark got a win on the road by the narrowest of margins, 1 point, at Linfield. UPS responded to the home loss to Pacific by drubbing Linfield by 23 on Saturday.

For the Bruins, both games against the Whits started slow due to tough defense and some success against the press. Eventually George Fox took control in and managed to keep it near double digits through the second half. For the second game in a row, a Bruin had a career high, this time it was 6-3 sophomore Kaitlin Jamieson going for 27 points against Whitworth.

Week 4 preview
For the top 3 teams, GF, Whitman, and WW, I don't anticipate any losses - they all should take care of business. Pacific returns home and has an opportunity to build on their 2 road wins with games against Lewis & Clark and Linfield. If they do that they reach the half-way point of the conference at 4-4. UPS has a big challenge on the road at the Whits and may find themselves at 4-4, but not near as happy about it as Pacific if that were to happen.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 18, 2016, 01:05:01 AM
Quote from: BruinFan on January 17, 2016, 11:14:32 PM
Showout to D3 alum Scott Rueck, former head coach of George Fox University, where he won a national title in 2009 and over 275 games before moving to Oregon State.

His Oregon State Beaver team beat Stanford tonight for the first time since 2001. The Beavers are ranked and have made the national tournament the last two years. Scott has built a program that was at the bottom when he took over in 2010 to where they won the Pac-12 conference last year in his 5th season.

Indeed I made sure to go see this game too.  Oregon State spent the first 3 1/2 quarters sleepwalking (BTW I do like the switch to quarters instead of halves and I especially like the move to 2-shot bonus FTs instead of the silly 1-and-1 which has afflicted college basketball for decades, encouraging -- no demanding -- teams to deliberately foul instead of playing real defense). 

Anyway, Stanford didn't look at the top of their game either but they were out-performing the Beavers most of the game.  But eventually OSU played the way they are capable of and with a raucous crowd behind them simply blew past the Cardinal to win going away.

It does seem that a lot of top coaches got their start at the D3 college (or even high school) level.  I presume there are other NWC coaches besides Rueck who have made the jump to D1?  The D3 conference that I'm the most familiar with, southern California's SCIAC, had Sue Semrau coaching at Occidental College before she went to Wisconsin IIRC and she's been at Florida State for several years.  On the men's side, a coach at Pomona-Pitzer famously made the jump directly to the NBA:  Gregg Popovich.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 18, 2016, 06:24:03 PM
mkt - glad you were able to make it to Gill. I had to settle for listening to the radio call online. I attended the Tennessee game (along with more than 8000 others for 2nd largest crowd ever) which was similar in the come back attempt displayed against Stanford, but fell just short.

I don't know too much about coaches making it to D1. The other George Fox connection is in baseball where Pat Casey was the coach of the Bruins and he has won I believe 2 national championships with Oregon State.

The former Whitworth men's basketball coach is now the coach at Eastern Washington. Looking in both directions the new Pacific University women's basketball coach was the head coach at D1 Santa Clara for about 6 years.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 18, 2016, 06:34:35 PM
Just for fun I took an early look at all the conferences in the West region.

Wow - there is some real fine teams at the top of each conference. Once we get to regional rankings, it will be splitting hairs to pull these teams apart, but maybe a 2-3 more weeks of conference play will make the difference more obvious. Here is a very preliminary look at my regional rankings.

1) George Fox (NWC - not because I am a Bruin, but because they are only undefeated team in the West)
2) St. Thomas (MIAC - has a win over St. Mary's)
3) St. Mary's (MIAC - solid resume)
4) Luther (IIAC)
5) California Lutheran (SCIAC - has a win over Whitman and other NWC teams; GF only D3 loss)
6) Whitman (NWC)
7) Wartburg (IIAC)
8) UW-Superior (UMAC - finished 1st last year in the WIAC and currently undefeated in new conference)

My guess is you could put these 8 teams together in a double elimination tournament and there would be many close games.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 28, 2016, 10:34:40 PM
Week 4 of NWC play
Big Winner: Puget Sound gets 2 wins on the road at Whitman and Whitworth! UPS finishes the first half strong and serves notice they will be a factor.

Road wins: Always big to win on the road. Linfield bounced back from a loss at GFU and beat Pacific by 6. Willamette did the same with a win at Lewis and Clark.

Week 5 preview
The UPS wins last week sets up the game of the week on Saturday when George Fox travels to Tacoma. The first time they played, GFU was nearly flawless in starting out the game 30-5.  A win by the Bruins gives them a commanding lead in the standings and a win by UPS keeps the conference championship up for grabs.
The next most interesting part of the schedule is to see what Willamette does at PLU and then hosts Pacific. Willamette is just one win away from 4 conference wins for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on January 29, 2016, 08:22:18 PM
Thanks as usual for the update!  I'm looking forward to seeing more NWC action this weekend because the "Whits" are in Portland tonight and tomorrow.  Given their losses to UPS, they may not be looking quite as powerful as they were before, but they're still in the running for ... let's face it, second best team in the conference barring some fluke or collapse by GFU.  But it's a strong conference so second place is no slouch.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on January 30, 2016, 12:33:18 AM
Quote from: mkt on January 29, 2016, 08:22:18 PM
Thanks as usual for the update!  I'm looking forward to seeing more NWC action this weekend because the "Whits" are in Portland tonight and tomorrow.  Given their losses to UPS, they may not be looking quite as powerful as they were before, but they're still in the running for ... let's face it, second best team in the conference barring some fluke or collapse by GFU.  But it's a strong conference so second place is no slouch.

Given the upset win by Linfield over Whitworth tonight, I'm beginning to think that the conference has compressed a bit this year for teams 2 through 9 with a gap between George Fox and everyone else. Maybe not quite as strong overall, but very competitive and still one of the top conferences in the country.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 02, 2016, 09:12:47 PM
Significant game tonight as Whitman hosts Whitworth. Both teams still in the hunt to host a conference playoff semi-final.  If Whitworth continues the trend from last weekend, Whitman is the clear favorite.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 02, 2016, 10:31:22 PM
Week 5 of NWC Play in Review
Whitworth nearly went 0-2 on the road after a 11 point loss at Linfield and trailing most of the game at Lewis and Clark. LC had them on the ropes, but it slipped away and the Pirates prevailed by 3. Congrats to Willamette by securing their 4th conference win of the season when they won at PLU by 3. George Fox had a large double digit lead at UPS in the 3rd quarter and the Loggers fought back to tie it late in the 4th quarter. The Bruins had one more spurt left to close out a 6 point victory. Whitman and George Fox went 2-0 for the week, while PLU and LC went 0-2.

Interesting note on the Saturday games. All the road teams won by single digits (6, 5, 3, and 2 points) - close games.

Week 6 Preview
The marquee game of the week is going on right now in Walla Walla between Whitman and Whitworth. UPS will be on the road at Lewis and Clark and then Willamette. Both the Pioneers and the Bearcats have the potential to cause trouble for UPS if they are not careful in their quest to finish in the top 4. George Fox can nearly lock up the conference title with a win at PLU and a victory at home over Lewis and Clark
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 03, 2016, 05:00:33 PM
For the third consecutive year, Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) will air for 12 hours as the regular season enters the final four weeks. Dave McHugh will chat with coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and others involved in Division III basketball from around the country. Other guests will include those who have Division III roots or appreciate the division and the game along with the student-athletes who play the sport.

Hoopsville will air from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (and maybe later) on Thursday, February 4 live from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can see what guests are scheduled, get more information, and watch the show here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/feb4

You can also read the press release about the show: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/hoopsville-marathon-2016

Here is the guest list as we speak. All times are Eastern and subject to change. Additional guests to be added if and when necessary:


   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
TimeGuestSchool
10:15amConnie TilleySt. Norbert (WBB) - WBCA Center Court
10:40amJamie PurdyPeidmont (WBB)
11:00amKeri CarolloUW-Whitewater (WBB) - Nat'l Committee Chair
11:20amBrent PollariSaint Mary's (Minn.) (WBB)
11:40amKent MadsenNo. 21 Wheaton (Ill.) (WBB)
12:00pmRussell LoydRose-Hulman (MBB)
12:20pmKevin BroderickNazareth (MBB)
12:40pmJustin ScottArcadia (MBB)
1:00pmSam HargravesNo. 12 Alma (MBB)
1:20pmLenny ReichMount Union (SID)
1:40pmMaureen WebsterClarkson (WBB)
2:00pmBetsy WitmanYork (Pa.) (WBB)
2:20pmSara LeeDenison (WBB)
2:40pmKlay KneuppelWisconsin Lutheran (MBB)
3:00pmBrian Van HaaftenBuena Vista (MBB) - Nat'l Committee Chair
3:30pmSydney MossNo. 1 Thomas More (WBB)
3:45pmAaron RousellBucknell (WBB) - former Chicago coach
4:00pmTim ShanahanStaten Island (WBB)
4:20Pat CunninghamTrinity (Texas) (MBB) - NABC Coach's Corner
4:50pmBubba SmithSewanee (MBB)
5:15pmBen StrongFormer Guilford All-American
5:30pmKevin ConnorsESPN SportsCenter Anchor - Ithaca alumnus
6:00pmKristen DowlingClaremont-Mudd-Scripps (WBB)
6:20pmAllison ColemanSage (WBB)
6:40pmLandry KosmalskiSwarthmore (MBB)
7:00pmDave NilandNo. 23 Penn State-Behrend (MBB)
7:20pmAaron GallettaLasell (MBB)
7:40pmJohn BaronGwynedd-Mercy (MBB)
8:00pm
8:20pm
8:40pmMelissa HodgdonWheaton (Mass.) (WBB)
9:00pmG.P. GromackiNo. 2 Amherst (WBB)
9:20pmJames Wagner
9:40pmHAPPY HOURFree-for-all of calls, tweets, and fun!

We hope to get at least the full show on a podcast, or several podcast, during the on Friday. You can find it here:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
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And a reminder the Hoopsville Fundraising Project has begun yet again. Please consider helping us cover Division III basketball the way it deserves to be covered. If you can not donate, please don't worry about - we understand. At least share the campaign with anyone you think might be interested: http://igg.me/at/hoopsville-fundraiser/x/6029509

Also, if you know any advertisers interested in promoting their company or products on the show, send them our way: hoopsville@d3hoops.com

Thanks!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 10, 2016, 02:44:15 PM
Alright, folks -- the NCAA's first women's basketball regional rankings are posted. Check out the full list from D3hoops.com:
http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2016/02/10/first-2016-regional-rankings-released-today/
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 12, 2016, 07:52:54 PM
Week 6 Review
Whitworth came up big with a win on the road at Whitman. UPS won 2 games on the road and remains hopeful of being able to host a conference play-off game. George Fox was dreadful for 6 consecutive quarters. PLU played them tough to the very end and lost by only 2 points. The next night, Lewis and Clark, with only 1 conference win, outplayed and out hustled the Bruins for the first half and led by 8. A big 3rd quarter by the Bruins put them on track for a 15 point victory. Pacific secured the upset of the week with a 4 point road win at Whitman.

I was greatly entertained by the Lewis & Clark men during the Pioneer vs. Bruin game at George Fox. They were yelling out lines from Dr. Seuss, "Green Eggs and Ham" when the Bruins were at the free throw line. It had a good spirit to it and was much more fun than the typical attempts to distract the shooter.

Week 7 Preview
Senior nights will begin this week as Pacific, Whitman, and Whitworth all have their final regular season home games. Congratulations to all seniors for your hard work in the classroom and on the court.
George Fox travels to Whitworth and Whitman. The Bruins are one win away from guaranteeing at least a share of the NWC title. The Whits are wanting to win out in an attempt to catch UPS for the #2 seed in the conference tournament. UPS travels to Linfield and Pacific and the Loggers must stay focused if they intend to win both.

First Regional Rankings are out.
Not surprisingly the undefeated Bruins are ranked #1 in the West. I realize the criteria used to create the rankings justifies not having another NWC team in the top 8 in the West right now. However, I wish there was a way to consider the historical strength of the conference. Unless there is an obvious downturn in the conference, it seems that the 2nd place team in the conference should always be in the top 8 in the West.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 19, 2016, 09:05:08 PM
Week 7 Review
The home team went 2-7 this week with only Whitman and Whitworth each picking up a victory while hosting Willamette.  Congrats to GFU, UPS, and PLU for all going 2-0 on the road. Bruins had to work to come up with single digit victories (by 8 at Whitworth and then by 7 at Whitman). A tough conference.

Week 8 Preview
Senior nights for George Fox, Linfield, PLU, Lewis and Clark, UPS, and Willamette. Congratulations to all.

George Fox beat Willamette by 32 points on Tuesday, but if you look closely you will see the score was 10-4 Bearcats with about 4 minutes to go in the first quarter. The Bruins then went on a 17-0 run and never looked back.

GFU is the Northwest Conference champion, which secures the #1 seed for the 4-team conference tournament, and have a game at Linfield as the remaining obstacle to their second consecutive undefeated regular season. It is set that UPS, Whitman and Whitworth will be the other 3 teams in the tournament. However, it is far from clear what the seeding will be. If UPS were to drop both home games to the Whits this weekend we could easily see a 3-way tie at 11-5 and have to go to a tiebreaker format, because head-to-head has nothing but same records as well. The most simple solution that will not involve any tiebreakers is if UPS defeats just one of the Whits. That would make UPS #2, the losing Whit #4, and the winning Whit #3. (This is all assuming that PLU does not pull of an upset.) Should UPS win both games, a tiebreaker will still be needed to determine which Whit is #3 and which is #4.

I think Pacific has the best shot at finishing on top of the current 3-way tie in 5th place. They have really battled through the season ending loss of their point guard several weeks ago. They are on the road at Linfield and then at Lewis and Clark.

Willamette has a shot to finish with 5 conference wins for the first time in about 10 years if they defeat Lewis and Clark on Friday.

It is almost tournament time! Semi-finals will be on Thursday, February 25.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 20, 2016, 03:57:37 PM
3 OT game last night between Whitman and PLU!
If you missed it Megan Abdo, a senior and leading scorer for PLU, hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to send it to overtime. Unfortunately for PLU, a pair of free throws were missed with under 3 seconds to play that could have broke the tie at the end of the first overtime.

PLU came so close. It will be interesting to see if Whitman has anything left at UPS today. UPS easily defeated Whitworth by 23 points and claimed the #2 seed and a home game for the conference tournament.

All that is left is to clarify seeds 3 and 4 between the Whits. Whitman plays at UPS and Whitworth plays at PLU. I think tonight's games may not change a thing - here's why:
If either both teams lose or both teams win - no tie and Whitman gets the 3 seed and a return trip to UPS next Thursday.
If Whitman wins, but Whitworth loses - same result as above.
If Whitworth wins and Whitman loses, so they both finish 10-6, they then have identical records against GF and UPS. The next team to measure against for the tiebreaker should be Linfield. Even if Linfield loses today and finishes tied with Pacific, Linfield is 2-0 against Pacific this year. Against Linfield Whitman is 2-0 and Whitworth is 1-1, breaking the tie in Whitman's favor.

So, I think we are all set for Thursday's conference tournament semi's
#4 Whitworth at #1 George Fox
#3 Whitman at #2 Puget Sound

UPS appears hot right now. I would love to see 2 teams make the NCAA tournament, and the best chance for a second team is UPS, either with the automatic qualifier or a strong enough finish to hopefully have the numbers needed to get in.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Pinecone_Curtain on February 21, 2016, 12:38:31 AM
BruinFan you do a great job keeping this site up to date on NWC womens hoops. As a Whitworth fan, they played GF tough in Spokane. Do you think Whitworth has any chance? Do you think Whitman could pull an upset on UPS? Or do you think the seeds will play out?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 21, 2016, 10:24:09 AM
Pinecone, thanks for checking in. I think UPS is playing the most consistent right now. Whitworth, Whitman, and George Fox have looked vulnerable for at least 1-2 quarters a game over the last few weeks in games they should have dominated.

I say about 75% likelihood that top seeds will win out - but all of these teams are feisty with established coaches - so no guarantees. The odds are stacked against the Pirates because in six seasons Coach Meek's Bruins are 74-3 at home.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on February 27, 2016, 01:12:05 PM
OK - a lot to catch up on as other priorities took my attention this week.

Week 8 in review
As detailed in a previous post, PLU took Whitman to 3 OTs! Other close games had UPS winning at home by 7 over Whitman and claiming the season sweep over both Whits. Pacific won by 5 at Lewis and Clark, LC won on Friday at Willamette by 9 and denying the Bearcats their quest to get to 5 conference wins for the first time in many years. GF won at Linfield by 10 with what appeared to be a record number of players either being DQed or finishing with 4 fouls.

A foreshadowing of the conference tournament semi-finals took place with GF and UPS being the only teams to go 2-0 during the final week of the season.

Conference Tournament Semis
Recently it seems like GF has been based on only 1-2 dominant quarters. Not so much on Thursday, as they stayed sharp most of the game and defeated Whitworth 95-64 in Newberg. Whitman had to travel back to Tacoma and play UPS again after losing to them by 7 on Saturday. This time it went to overtime and UPS prevailed 84-79.

Tournament Final
Takes place tonight at 7 PM with GFU hosting UPS for the AQ. GF will be in NCAA tournament win or lose, but UPS is likely a long shot to get in with an at-large bid and needs the victory tonight. The Bruins players and coaches will never say it, but there is some angst on campus outside the program that Coach Meek was not COY even though they went 25-0. Justine Benner made first team, but POY went to Emily Sheldon of UPS. So ... UPS comes to Newberg with the COY and POY honors and I think the Bruins will have a little extra motivation. Earlier this season this match-up started with a 33-6 lead by GF.

I personally think selecting POY can be a challenge and don't begrudge Sheldon receiving the honor. COY however is a bit of a head scratcher. Both GF and UPS repeated their conference records from last season (16-0 and 13-3 respectively), so you can't look to improvement. Both teams lost 3 starters from 2014-15. I would think that repeating a 25-0 campaign would still get you Coach of the Year. Oh well, I will take cutting down the nets tonight over the ups and downs of conference honors.

Congratulations to all the hard working players and coaches.
2016 All-NWC Women's Basketball Team Announced; Sheldon and Payne Take the Top Honors
http://nwcsports.com/sports/wbkb/2015-16/news (see Feb.23 release for list of all-NWC honors)

This post is getting long, so in my next one I will evaluate the conference predictions I made in December.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: DBQ1965 on March 03, 2016, 08:43:21 PM
What is the NCAA rule or requirement that keeps George Fox from hosting a tournament game?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: bballfan13 on March 03, 2016, 11:43:57 PM
Quote from: DBQ1965 on March 03, 2016, 08:43:21 PM
What is the NCAA rule or requirement that keeps George Fox from hosting a tournament game?

It's the NCAA's overall budget constraint. They would need to fly multiple teams to George Fox. If the schools are within 500 miles of each other the NCAA will bus the team, over that then they need to fly per policy. The NCAA tries to limit total amounts of flights per tournament as the costs run up. It's unfortunate for George Fox but with no one close enough (and no one else from their conference qualifying as they have in the past few years) then they must hit the road early.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: BruinFan on March 03, 2016, 11:52:55 PM
Here is something I had not thought about before regarding the financial constraints and the cost of flights. Not all flights are created equal as far as cost depending on the destination. For example, it certainly costs a lot more for George Fox to go to Wisconsin then California. Now, whether or not it would ever balance out that flying two teams to California equates to one team flying to Wisconsin is highly unlikely - but it did make me curious.

The only road to the championship game this year for the Bruins is through the air to the midwest as many as 4 times depending on how many games they win.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 05, 2016, 04:42:23 PM
Quote from: BruinFan on March 03, 2016, 11:52:55 PM
Here is something I had not thought about before regarding the financial constraints and the cost of flights. Not all flights are created equal as far as cost depending on the destination. For example, it certainly costs a lot more for George Fox to go to Wisconsin then California. Now, whether or not it would ever balance out that flying two teams to California equates to one team flying to Wisconsin is highly unlikely - but it did make me curious.

The only road to the championship game this year for the Bruins is through the air to the midwest as many as 4 times depending on how many games they win.

The NCAA and committees aren't going to spend more time bracketing, deciding which flight(s) would be cheaper and bracketing that way. Also, flights at this point in the time line (days, not weeks, in advance) are probably negligible.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: D O.C. on March 06, 2016, 12:39:05 AM
Well, the Foxy Ladies were not negligible.
Great win.
I tease Whitworth and I laud George Fox.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: 80sshorts on March 06, 2016, 12:40:47 PM
They could put three D-III teams from the Himalayas into the tournament and even if Fox went undefeated, they'd still fly George Fox out there.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerwatcher on December 17, 2016, 12:26:57 AM
Well, not an issue in 2016-17.   ;D
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerwatcher on January 30, 2017, 11:45:38 PM
I guess I'm chirping to myself here, but the top 3 in the NWC this year are very good, and Puget Sound is terrific. 

The future is incredibly bright.  The point guard #3 Malvar is a frosh and carries herself like a senior. Jackson is a sophomore, and she's a menace at 5' 4".  She just put 37 on Linfield this weekend. Prewitt is also sophomore and she, too, is a top player in the conference.  The post Lange is leading the NWC in points and rebounds per minute, basically all-league performance (in 20 minutes a game) as a frosh. There's a 6'3" frosh post on the bench who looks to have athleticism and skills, and the junior Fitzgerald is a solid NWC frontcourt player.  I thought that the Puget Sound team was just physically stronger than Fox in the frontcourt.  The only senior on the Logger roster playing significant time is Noren.  She's an excellent defender, a thief in the night and a high-level athlete and the heart of the team. But it looks like Puget Sound is going to be a power for a few years.  It's fun to watch a great coach find a recipe for success in a really strong league. 
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt on February 07, 2017, 03:00:32 AM
I check in here every once in awhile; have seen several games but haven't had time to write about them.  And due to snow or getting a cold or both I haven't been able to get out and see UPS in person, frustratingly I've only seen them on the video broadcasts.  Clearly a very impressive recruiting and development job that Loree Payne has done.  Emily Sheldon was basically impossible to replace, but as you say, the Loggers have in addition to last year's freshman sensation Jackson two more frosh sensations this year.  They are a tough team this year; losing do-everything senior Noren after this season will hurt but their up-and-coming players look sensational.  Noren's the only senior playing major minutes so UPS looks tough for both the present and the future.

Whitman's been less surprising; they were expected to be a good team and are, though a step down from UPS.  They had a hiccup with two losses in a row and their victory at George Fox was closer than the score would indicate.  Michelle Ferenz seemed to do some experimenting with her starting line-up, benching both McGarity and Poe for the George Fox game in favor of first-years Makana Stone and Mady Burdett.  That may have helped in Stone's case; she looks like another Hailey Ann Maeda, slightly undersized but a significant inside presence.  Burdett though seems slower, shorter, and less of a playmaker than Poe, who returned to the starting lineup.

Aside from UPS shaking off the loss of Sheldon with brilliant young players, the other intriguing question to me has been George Fox.  The loss of seniors Benner, Naluai, and Blizzard was clearly going to hurt them but they always have a corps of young talent so the question is how good they are and how quickly they will develop.  I think we're seeing that they're good enough that the team deserves a tournament slot but they are looking distinctly like the third best team in the NWC.  Frost still looks to me like the fastest player in the conference and a tremendous ball-hawk, but hasn't developed into a big scorer or finisher.  Kaycee Creech to my eyes has been mainly a defensive player but she has developed her offensive game to the point that she's third on the team in scoring.  Looking at the young players, freshman Emily Spencer went to the same high school as Frost and shares her ability to get massive numbers of steals. George Fox has a veritable army of young tallish promising-looking forwards or wings including Hailey, Haley, Haylee, and Bailey: Hailey Hartney did a significant amount of ballhandling against Whitworth, perhaps hinting that she might have a future as a tall point guard reminiscent of a former Bruin PG named Hayley:  5'10" Cusick.  But against the tougher Whitman defense Hartney did less ballhandling.  A promising-looking shorter player is freshman Kylin Collman; she reminds me of Whitman's Alysse Ketner as a freshman:  both are unafraid to shoot from long range and equally unafraid to drive among the taller players.

Also intriguing has been Lewis and Clark, who've had some tough seasons since the days of Kristina Williams and company.  Well Kristina's back (as an assistant coach to new head coach Pam Findlay) and Lewis and Clark has been showing signs of a renaissance.  They upset Whitman and took George Fox to overtime.   They're a team that seems to have only one all-conference level player in Afolabi (I thought Leith might get to that level but she seems more to be a solid starter but not all-conference) and some decent support from Anderson and Hogman.  I think their improvement has mainly come from Deja Nicholas, who was a transfer last year but played little, and who this year has added speed and the ability to attack on the dribble to the Pio's offense, and some decent play from some of their big people especially Lauren Wood and Rachel Cox.  Janessa Willie shows signs of developing nicely her second year; I don't even recall what she did last year but this year she's started a few games and provides both an outside shooting threat and the ability to drive.

Their record reflects what I think is their standing as clearly the fourth best team in the conference.  Their future looks more cloudy than the other top teams' though because their best player and their sparkplug, Afolabi and Nicholas, are both seniors.

Their overtime loss to George Fox was one of the most exciting NWC games that I've yet seen.  They'd trailed by as many as 20 points and were down by 8 points with less than 3 minutes left.  But steals by Leith, Nicholas, and Hogman (and a tie-up by Afolabi) brought them back to a tie and overtime.  They fell just short but showed they've come a long way from their recent lean years.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerwatcher on February 07, 2017, 10:39:40 PM
Thanks, mkt--at least I'm not talking to myself!  I have seen the Loggers a number of times and have been wathicn them for many years.  They're good.  Coach Payne's attitude seems exactly right for DIII, and it shows. At one point during the tight game at Walla Walla, Noren threw up an airball on a free throw.  The frosh point guard Malvar approached her, put her arm around her, and pointed...the basket is over there.  Laughs all around.  Watch the huddles.  Tight game, no problem.  They are enjoying the ride, perfect for the DIII experience.

I am interested to see Puget Sound and Whitman this weekend.  The game in Walla Walla was terrific, and I don't see any reason to think that this one won't be as tight.  As things go in the NCAAs, Puget Sound will likely have to beat either GFU or Whitman what, four times to move on and up in the tournament?  Tough duty from a strong league.  Given the recent history of the NWC (GFU to the finals twice, Whitman once) it would be a blast to see them line up against the northeast teams that seem to dominate the d3hoops ratings.  I wonder if some d3 entrepreneur could arrange for a meeting in the preseason period?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 07, 2017, 11:53:55 PM
Quote from: Loggerwatcher on February 07, 2017, 10:39:40 PM
I am interested to see Puget Sound and Whitman this weekend.  The game in Walla Walla was terrific, and I don't see any reason to think that this one won't be as tight.  As things go in the NCAAs, Puget Sound will likely have to beat either GFU or Whitman what, four times to move on and up in the tournament?  Tough duty from a strong league.  Given the recent history of the NWC (GFU to the finals twice, Whitman once) it would be a blast to see them line up against the northeast teams that seem to dominate the d3hoops ratings.  I wonder if some d3 entrepreneur could arrange for a meeting in the preseason period?

First off, preseason period? When games don't count? You probably meant, non-conference period... right? More and more of these games happen especially when teams travel to places like Las Vegas for the D3hoops.com Classic.

As for the bracketing, that's how pretty much the entire NCAA works. There is certainly and outside chance the women's committee gets permission to break the teams from the NWC up, but don't hold your breathe. The committee is tasked to use a few flights as possible. They will happen, but they aren't handed out like candy. Unfortunately, the NWC will most likely have to play through each other in the second round of the tournament (assuming they both get there) to move on to the second weekend.

BTW - the northeast tends to dominate the rankings for two reasons: they are good LOL; 70% plus of the division is east of the Appalachians.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerwatcher on February 09, 2017, 10:47:17 PM
Yes, I meant non-conference period.  Thanks for the correction.  There was no complaint about an east coast bias in my comment. Still, I think that the record will show that the NWC is pretty darn good. George Fox was one devastating leg injury to a key post from winning two titles.  There were several Loggers teams in the late Barcomb years that might not have been as good as Fox, but they were very close. In a different seeding system that would have been evident.  Old complaint.  No complaint. Economic realities. I ask without knowing--do things work the same in the east, where travel distances are often a big shorter?
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Loggerwatcher on February 09, 2017, 10:48:39 PM
..and by the way, as long as we're criticizing....that's "don't hold your breath," not "don't hold your breathe."  :)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 16, 2017, 06:46:52 PM
The Division III season has officially entered "Crunch Time." Regular season schedules are wrapping up, conference tournaments are about to begin, teams are jockeying for conference position or trying to win home-court advantage. And it is all happening the uncertainty of whether NCAA tournament berths are available for a lot of teams.

On Thursday night's Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com), Dave McHugh not only takes another look at this week's Regional Rankings, but also tries to read the tea leaves. He also chats with four teams that all still have something to play for. Whether it is to better position themselves in the eyes of the NCAA committees or just to turn more heads in their conference tournament, these teams are still pushing to continue their seasons.


Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio starting at 7:00 PM ET LIVE. You can watch the show on the official show page here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2016-17/feb16 ... or you can watch the live simulcast on Facebook Live (http://www.facebook.com/Hoopsville). If you miss the show, you can catch-up on Demand or listen to the podcasts (which will be uploaded at the conclusion of the show).

A reminder the Thursday edition of Hoopsville primarily covers the East, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, and West regions, but we will answer any questions about all of Division III throughout the show. You can also send your questions to the show and have them featured on the Hoopsville Mailbag segment. Email them to hoopsville@d3hoops.com.

And please consider helping Hoopsville stay on the air like you might help your public television station. The annual fundraising campaign has less than three weeks remaining, but we are no where close to reaching our goal. Click here for more information: Hoopsville Fundraising Page (https://igg.me/at/hoopsville-fundraiser-2017/x/6029509)

Guests include (in order of appearance):
- Michael Meek, No. 24 George Fox women's coach
- Katherine Bixby, Dickinson women's coach
- Greg Mitchell, No. 16 Hope men's coach
- Rob Kornaker, St. John Fisher men's coach

You can also tune into the podcast(s) after the show has aired:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville
Fundraiser: https://igg.me/at/hoopsville-fundraiser-2017

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Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 09, 2017, 06:46:19 PM
The Division III NCAA tournaments have already seen their fair share of twists and turns. Both defending champions eliminated on the opening night, several home teams beaten, off-the-radar squads tearing Top 10 teams apart, and much more.

It has been an exciting start. What's next?

Can the home teams parlay a perceived advantage into a Championship Weekend appearence? What Cinderalla team will hear the chimes of midnight? What program will continue to make history? How will the battle of Top 25 teams shake out? And will a storied career end this weekend or in Salem?

There is plenty to talk about ahead of the Sectional Weekend and Dave McHugh has a super-sized list of guests on Thursday night's Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com).

Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can watch the show LIVE staring at 7:00 p.m. ET here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2016-17/mar9 --- or via the Facebook Live (http://www.facebook.com/Hoopsville) simulcast. If you missed any part of the show, you can watch it On Demand or listen to the podcast.

Despite the large list of guests, Dave will find time to answer questions as well. Make sure to email them to hoopsville@d3hoops.com or tweet them and Dave will answer them on air.

Guests scheduled (in order of appearance):
- Brian Morehouse, No. 18 Hope women's coach
- Trevor Woodruff, No. 17 Scranton women's coach
- Craig Carse, Hardin-Simmons men's coach
- Ruth Sinn, No. 2 St. Thomas women's coach
- Michelle Ferenz, No. 16 Whitman women's coach
- Kevin App, Williams men's coach
- Grey Giovanine, Augustana men's coach

You can also tune into the podcast(s) after the show has aired:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville

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Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on November 14, 2017, 03:08:16 PM
The fourth, and final, preseason podcast has been released. Dave chats with four coaches who have their own unique roads to their new jobs.
- Greg Polkowski, UW-Superior men's coach
- Pete Moran, John Carroll men's coach
- Casey Kushiyama, Puget Sound women's coach
- Kent Dernbach, UW-Lacrosse men's coach

You can find the podcast along with the previous four here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2017-18/preseason-podcasts

A reminder that Hoopsville returns for it's season debut on Thursday, November 16 at 7:00 PM ET!
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 07, 2018, 02:41:13 PM
Women's first regional rankings of the season are out: http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-first
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 08, 2018, 03:40:17 PM
The first regional rankings are out which in itself brings on a lot of conversation, but the jockeying and positioning contines in conferences around the country for teams trying to keep their seasons going into March.

On Thursday's edition of Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com), Dave talks to a number of high-ranking squads about the pressure to stay atop their respective conference races while also positioning themselves well in the regional rankings.

Dave also welcomes a coach who has played in DIII, coached in both DII and DIII, and coached both men and women. He talks about the road, possibly, less traveled in the "WBCA Center Court" segment.

Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can watch the show LIVE starting at 7:00 p.m. ET here: http://bit.ly/2EROVeC

If you have questions, be sure to interact with the show on social media (see below) or email us your questions (hoopsville@d3hoops.com).

Guests include (in order of appearance):
- Ryan Gould, No. 7 Trine women's coach
- Michelle Ferenz, No. 5 Whitman women's coach
- Charlie Just, Spalding women's coach (WBCA Center Court)
- Landry Kosmalski, No. 11 Swarthmore men's coach
- Tom Curle, Plattsburgh State men's coach

If you enjoy the show via the podcasts instead, you can get access to them or subscribe one of the three following ways (click on the images when necessary):
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Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 14, 2018, 03:08:25 PM
New women's regional rankings: http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-second
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 21, 2018, 02:59:40 PM
The NCAA released the third set of women's basketball regional rankings with few changes from last week's version. This is the final set that we'll see before the Tournament bracket is released on Monday. Full list here: http://d3hoops.com/notables/2018/02/women-regional-rankings-third

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Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: smedindy on November 05, 2018, 02:23:22 PM
Saw Whitman against CWU Saturday, and Whitman had a 13 point lead, but CWU came back and beat the Blues in double overtime.

CWU got into horrific foul trouble and lost their point guard due to cramps. The point of emphasis on double touch hurt two of the new guards for the Wildcats and Whitman took advantage. However, in the 4th the Blues didn't score for five minutes and the game got tied on a three with 7 seconds to go. They had a four point lead in the first OT but lost that as well.

Way too many turnovers - 27 for Whitman (26 for CWU).

Mady Burdett had 23, Maegen Martin had 15, and Kaelan Shamseldin added 13.

Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 17, 2019, 04:19:30 PM
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=lhts8/h2j8lpjymkzinibe.jpg)

Hope you didn't decide to take a night off or two from games? You would have missed some important results. While Wednesdays and Saturdays tend to be the big "nights" of any week in Division III, games on any night could have major ramifications.

The algebra this time of year is both simple and complicated. Conference schedules, for the most part, have moved into the second half and teams seeing teams a second time sometimes have an advantage. Rivals, of course, have an advantage. There are also distractions as some teams have been sitting on mostly empty campuses for several weeks and may be bored. Or second semester classes are beginning and changes to schedules can be an abrupt adjustment. There are also long road trips that can take a team's focus. Plus, the weather. Yeah, Mother Nature loves changing things around.

All of it can lead to upsets or strange outcomes. From blowouts to close battles. On any night, you are bound to see something you will be chatting about the next day.

Thursday's show includes guests from a couple of the hottest teams in men's basketball: Capital and Swarthmore. We also hear from an island squad and find out if the Whitman women's upset of George Fox should have been a surprise. And Springfield's Naomi Graves chats about how the U.S. Marine Corps has helped her coach and preach diversity.

Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can watch Thursday's show starting LIVE at 7:00 p.m. ET. in the video player above. If you miss any of the show, you can always watch it On Demand or listen to the audio-only podcast to the right (available shortly after the show goes off air).

If you have questions about Division III basketball, feel free to send them and we will answer them on a the show. Email them to hoopsville@d3hoops.com or use any of the social media options.

Guests Schedule (order subject to change):
- Damon Goodwin, No. 20 Capital men's coach
- Michelle Ferenz, No. 24 Whitman women's coach
- Naomi Graves, Springfield women's coach (WBCA Center Court)
- Landry Kosmalski, No. 10 Swarthmore men's coach

If you enjoy the show via the podcasts, choose your favorite avenue to listen and/or subscribe via the the following four avenues (click on the images when necessary):
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Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 30, 2019, 01:52:44 PM
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=m5lxl/o3h5z2xs7txn530n.jpg)

The Hoopsville Marathon Show ... is tomorrow!

Tune in starting at 12:00 p.m. ET as we talk to guests from around the country about nothing but #d3hoops.

It is all about celebrating the season, student-athletes, coaches, and an exciting season.

For more information, click here: http://bit.ly/2HGx0N3

We will share more about the show a little later.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 13, 2019, 02:57:29 PM
Regional Rankings Week 2 released: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2019/02/women-regional-rankings-second
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 20, 2019, 03:05:08 PM
The new NCAA Division III women's basketball regional rankings are posted: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2019/02/women-regional-rankings-third
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: mkt42 on April 02, 2019, 08:14:21 AM
Mike Meek has left George Fox Univ to be the coach at the Univ of Portland. (https://portlandpilots.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1920&path=wbball)

On the one hand, that's a heck of a coach that George Fox is losing.  OTOH, they lost an equally good coach in Scott Rueck (who's finding regular Sweet Sixteen success at Oregon State Univ) and managed to find a good replacement.

And perhaps that points the way to a possible replacement for Meek.  Prior to George Fox, he'd coached at Southridge High School in Beaverton, which has continued to compete for championships in his absence.  Just a couple of weeks ago I saw Southridge play in the Oregon class 6A high school championship game:  their point guard (second-team all-tournament) is McKelle Meek, Mike's daughter.  So maybe Southridge's coach Mike Bergmann could be the next to make the jump. 

Or another high school in the same town:  Beaverton High School lost to Southridge in the semifinals.  Beaverton is coached by another highly successful coach, Mary Naro, who's the daughter of former Portland TrailBlazer coach Rick Adelman.  She had played college basketball and still holds the assist record at ... the Univ of Portland, to close the circle here.  (An observer noted that Oregon is a small basketball community, with the same people or families popping up again and again.)
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: gordonmann on April 04, 2019, 05:18:01 PM
Good stuff and glad to have you on the boards.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on June 07, 2019, 01:52:31 AM
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=spqpi/aqrt5xr44qium3e2.jpg)

Usually we try and relax in the offseason. We have always had ideas of doing an off-season podcast, but we usually end up being distracted by other things. This off-season we decided to go for it.

We did get some "down time" in between the end of the season through the end of May, but we are ready to get back into chatting about DIII - basketball especially.

And there is plenty to talk about starting with the "MIAC Decision" or #TomToss.

Dave McHugh is joined by Pat Coleman to discuss why (no, really, why?!) some of the MIAC presidents decided to "involuntarily" remove St. Thomas from the conference it helped found 99-years ago. We talk about the history, the flaws in the supposed arguments (though, no president has gone on record), and what options UST has moving forward. Dave also gives his thoughts on the topic.

Also hear from two coaches who made some unexpected job decisions this off-season. Dave chats with Sam Hargraves who left Alma for fellow-MIAA member Olivet despite his alma mater, Calvin, having a job opening. And Gordon Mann chats with Michael Coppolino who shifted coasts to take over the vaunted George Fox program - something that was even unusual for GFU.

Plus, a brief look at some of the other coaching decisions as the calendar turns towards summer.

Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops .com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. The May Edition is an audio-only podcast. You can listen to it here: http://bit.ly/2WPSdKM

Guests Schedule (order subject to change):
- Pat Coleman, Editor-in-Chief D3sports .com
- Sam Hargraves, new Olivet men's coach
- Michael Coppolino, new George Fox women's coach (interviewed by D3hoops .com's Gordon Mann)

If you enjoy the show via the podcasts, choose your favorite avenue to listen and/or subscribe via the the following four avenues (click on the images when necessary):
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Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 23, 2020, 06:39:13 PM
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=4l16h/d2ivtmmib15traho.jpg)

The Division III basketball season has reached the point where many conferences are making the turn into the second half of their double-round robins. The landscape of those conferences has gotten a little more in focus ... and there are some surprises.

Thursday on Hoopsville, we chat with a few coaches whose teams are on top of their conference races either surprising many with that simple fact or getting there with surprising outcomes.

Plus, we talk to a coach (whose team happens to be leading their conference as well) who become a head coach in a rather surprising manner. How she adapted and now finds herself in Division III and how the coaching community also came to her aid.

There is also breaking news out of the NCAA Convention regarding regional realignment and expansion. And much more to get everyone up to speed.

Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can watch Sunday's show LIVE starting at 7:00 pm ET in the following ways:
- Main page: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville
- Show page: http://bit.ly/2RjGcJP (or www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2019-20/jan23)
- Facebook Live Simulcast: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
- YouTube Simulcast: www.youtube.com/d3hoopsville
- Team1 Sports: www.team1sports.com/Hoopsville/
- Team1 Sports app (https://team1sports.com/) (Android TV, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku) - you will either find it under the "live" section or search for the Hoopsville channel

Thursday's show primarily covers the East, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and West Regions while also featuring a women's coach in the WBCA Center Court segment. All men's coaches appear in the NABC Coach's Corner. And all guests are featured on the BlueFrame Technology Hoopsville Hotline.

If you have questions about Division III basketball, feel free to send them and we will answer them on a the show. Email them to dave.mchugh@d3sports.com or use any of the social media options to the right.

Guests Schedule (order subject to change):
- Mike Fuline, Mount Union men's coach (NABC Coach's Corner)
- Jacey Brooks, Cortland women's coach
- Kristina Danella, Keyston women's coach (WBCA Center Court)
- Alecia Parker, Pacific women's coach

If you enjoy the show via the podcasts, choose your favorite avenue to listen and/or subscribe via the the following four avenues (click on the images when necessary):
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville


 
   
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We also have the podcast now on Tune-In (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Hoopsville-p1153539/) and others coming. We will update them once we have better abilities to do so.

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/d3hoopsville
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 12, 2020, 03:31:52 PM
Women's first Regional Rankings released.

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-first
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 19, 2020, 03:05:53 PM
The second week Regional Rankings are out: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-second
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 26, 2020, 02:19:32 PM
Women's third regional rankings are out: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-third
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: cawcdad on March 10, 2020, 06:57:29 PM
Just finished watching Mike Meek and the Portland Pilots punch their ticket to the dance. After his tenure at Fox has taken Portland from worst to first in one season.
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on March 12, 2020, 05:28:27 PM
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=73mrs/m6gg5jcihb76rihu.jpg)

And with that, the 2019-20 seasons have come to a sudden end.

What a week it has been in college basketball. Exactly a week ago, as we hit the air, the first signs that COVID-19 was going to impact the NCAA Tournaments was seen. Since then, it has been a whirlwind.  

Tonight on Hoopsville, we try and make sense of one of the stranger finishes in history for NCAA events. What started with isolated closings of gyms for games ends a week later in all games being called off through the rest of the academic year.

We will chat with those who were preparing for games on Friday and hear their reactions to the seasons coming to a close so quickly.

Guests Schedule (order subject to change):
- Michelle Ferenze, No. 10 Whitman women's coach
- John Krikorian, Christopher Newport men's coach
- Cheri Harrer, No. 9 Baldwin Wallace women's coach

Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can watch Thursday's show LIVE starting at 7:00 p.m. ET in the following ways:
- Main page: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville
- Show page: http://bit.ly/3b1XeU3 (or www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2019-20/mar12)
- Facebook Live Simulcast: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
- YouTube Simulcast: www.youtube.com/d3hoopsville
- Team1 Sports: www.team1sports.com/Hoopsville/
- Team1 Sports app (https://team1sports.com/) (Android TV, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku) - you will either find it under the "live" section or search for the Hoopsville channel
Monday's show primarily covers the Atlantic, Central, South, and Northeast Regions. All men's coaches appear in the NABC Coach's Corner. And all guests are featured on the BlueFrame Technology Hoopsville Hotline

All men's coaches appear in the NABC Coach's Corner. And all guests are featured on the BlueFrame Technology Hoopsville Hotline.

If you have questions about Division III basketball, feel free to send them and we will answer them on a the show. Email them to hoopsville@d3sports.com or use any of the social media options to the right.

Please also consider helping us out. We are accepting donations to the show - which many of you have asked about. The goal is to raise $7,500. We are approximately at $4,600 at the time of this posting.

To donate, click our PayPal link here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BSRFLPUJQ9MKL&source=url

And thank you for your contributions.

If you enjoy the show via the podcasts, choose your favorite avenue to listen and/or subscribe via the the following four avenues (click on the images when necessary):
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville


 
   
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We also have the podcast now on Tune-In (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--Recreation-Podcasts/Hoopsville-p1153539/) and others coming. We will update them once we have better abilities to do so.

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/d3hoopsville
Title: Re: Northwest Conference
Post by: jaybird44 on October 29, 2020, 11:21:27 PM
It seems that I have been the only member of the only (unofficial) fall sport at WashU, with my 100-mile ultramarathon attempt earlier this month to promote the fight for a cure during Rett Syndrome Awareness Month.  That attempt fell a bit short in miles and fundraising, so I'm going into overtime to try and reach $5,000 in donations.

Rett Gets Rocked 50K for $5K will commence Friday, October 30 at 8 pm Central, and end at 8 am Halloween morning.  Counting donations received (thanks to retired WashU men's basketball coach Mark Edwards and his wife Mary, and to Mike McGrath and his  University of Chicago men's basketball program for their donations!) and those yet to be sent and processed, I am at $4,440.53.  Very, very close to my goal...which will fund a researcher's work for a month.  Wouldn't it be cool if he or she cracked the code for a cure of Rett syndrome, on our dime?!

I reached 86 miles in my "Rett Gets Rocked Virtual Ultra Weekend" October 3-4.  I'm very proud of that result, but there's more work to be done.  Proceeds from the event will be split between Rettsyndrome.org (the only national organization spearheading research and providing resources for affected patients and their families) and the Rett Spectrum Clinic--a collaboration between the WashU School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Rett syndrome is a rare, non-inherited neurological disorder that is caused by a gene mutation in the brain.  It primarily affects girls (1 in every 10,000 girls develop Rett).  It strikes typically when a child is 6-18 months old, and it has the characteristics of ALS, autism, epilepsy, and Parkinson's...all rolled into one sinister disorder.  It takes away the child's ability to move and communicate. 

In essence, Rett does to a child what Lucy in the "Peanuts" comic strip does to Charlie Brown when he tries to kick the football that she is holding.  The only difference is that Charlie Brown can get back up to try again.  Those who are afflicted with Rett syndrome don't get another chance to enjoy a vibrant life.

Researchers are working to re-engineer the gene mutation that turns on Rett, so it can be forever turned off.  Four drug therapies are in the FDA review pipeline, with one (trofanitide) one level away from review.  And, iPad tablets with retinal scan technology are giving those with Rett a voice they haven't had since they were toddlers.

The full court press on Rett is paying off.  You can help keep the pressure on Rett, by going to my Rett Racers donation page:  https://rettracer.everydayhero.com/us/rett-gets-rocked-2020

Thanks for your time and consideration, and hopefully there will be basketball to play and broadcast at the start of 2021!

Jay Murry
Play-By-Play Announcer, Washington University in St. Louis
Event Director, Rett Gets Rocked 50K for $5K
Title: Re: WBB: Northwest Conference
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 18, 2022, 10:57:01 AM
The countdown is on! Ten more days until the regular season comes to a close and we find out who will be playing for the Walnut and Bronze!

(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=7gryc/3okvdan6frefp2hp.jpg)

Thursday on Hoopsville, there is plenty to keep track of throughout Division III.

Hoopsville starts immediately following the NCAA Division III National Committee's announcement of the Top 16 "seeds" in both men's and women's rankings aired. We chatted with both national committee chairs, Michael Schauer of Wheaton (Ill.) and Megan Wilson of Luther, about the release, how they came to the decisions, and what they hope to inspire with the announcements. Plus more.

Then we talk to coaches around the country about their programs and how they are positioning themselves for conference tournaments.

Guests include:
We had scheduled to talk to Christine VanHook from PSU-Behrend women's basketball, but there was a last minute scheduling conflict. We hope to catch up with Coach VanHook in the next week.

Watch the show here: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2021-22/feb17

Podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/hoopsville/1922-10-more-days?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Title: Re: WBB: Northwest Conference
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on April 12, 2022, 11:39:32 AM
Hearing Offer made to the top candidate (after final round/on-campus interviews) at Whitworth. NOT a "done deal" - but if accepted - expect the Pirates to be a top-tier contender in the conference for years to come. Would be a BIG TIME hire for Tim Demant!!!
Title: Re: WBB: Northwest Conference
Post by: itsnotmeitsyou on April 18, 2022, 10:42:21 PM
Quote from: itsnotmeitsyou on April 12, 2022, 11:39:32 AM
Hearing Offer made to the top candidate (after final round/on-campus interviews) at Whitworth. NOT a "done deal" - but if accepted - expect the Pirates to be a top-tier contender in the conference for years to come. Would be a BIG TIME hire for Tim Demant!!!

New hire announced at Whitworth... men's basketball alum and former men's asst. coach.  Good luck to him.