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Division III basketball (Posting Up) => Women's Basketball => Region 3 women's basketball => Topic started by: Eliazabeth Brown on October 31, 2004, 08:10:14 PM

Title: WBB: Empire 8
Post by: Eliazabeth Brown on October 31, 2004, 08:10:14 PM
What teams are looking good for the upcoming season? Who will dominate E-8?
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Eliazabeth Brown on November 27, 2004, 03:56:43 PM
What happened to Kadi Burgess of Nazareth? I don't see her name on the roster.
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Eliazabeth Brown on December 09, 2004, 09:57:17 PM
Jen Kroll's St. Lawrence team will be playing Ithaca tomorrow.  It will probably be strange for her competing against Ithaca where she used to coach!
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Allen M. Karon on January 22, 2005, 02:13:08 PM
I can't believe that no one is talking about St. John Fisher.  They are only one of 3 unbeaten teams left in DIII women's hoop!  Are there any Cardinal fans who are willing to tell me about this team?  I'm listening to WYSL's coverage of the game vs. Hartwick right now, and I can't believe that there hasn't been much chatter in this room, at least about this team.
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Allen M. Karon on January 22, 2005, 03:36:42 PM
Congratulations to the Hartwick Hawks!

They pull off the upset today at St. John Fisher in Empire 8 action, knocking off the Cardinals from the ranks of the unbeaten.

Final score:  Hartwick 69, St. John Fisher 59

Hartwick takes the conference lead by 1/2 game in the Empire 8.

Game broadcast Courtesy of WYSL 1040 AM, Rochester, NY-- http://www.wysl1040.com
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Eliazabeth Brown on January 22, 2005, 06:44:39 PM
Congrats to the Hartwick Hawks and Mara Tichy from Bayport, NY on defeating Sant John Fisher today!!!
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: bball fan on February 01, 2005, 03:10:56 PM
congrats to Fisher girls and boys on beating Ithaca and Elmira, great season so far keep it up!!!
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 02, 2005, 01:52:31 PM
First set of NCAA Regional Rankings out for 2005:
1)NYU
2)St. John Fisher
3)Oswego
4)Union
5)Cortland
6)Ithaca

Seems about right, it's only the first rankings so it doesn't really matter but I might replace Cortland with Brockport, better conf. record, head to head win, and BPort started its season with a 2 point loss at an excellent Emmanuel squad that beat Bowdoin. Come to think of it, I'd definitely replace Cortland with Brockport.
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Allen M. Karon on February 06, 2005, 12:23:25 PM
Brockport's game against Emmanuel is an out-of-region game that cannot be used in making the regional rankings, unfortunately.

Compare Cortland's SOSI with Brockport's SOSI, and you might get a better idea of why Cortland is ranked ahead of Brockport.  Cortland and Ithaca have to get the automatic bids to make the NCAAs, however, as their regional records do not indicate that they would get Pool C bids.  (If both teams lose in their conference tournaments, that is at least 1 additional loss on their regional records.)
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 10, 2005, 11:01:00 AM
regional rankings as of 2/9

1)Oswego
2)NYU
3)St. John Fisher
4)Cortland
5)Ithaca
6)Union

Oswego has a toughie on Saturday at Oneonta, while on the same day Ithaca is at Fisher in a game that will likely decide who hosts the E8 tournament. Good luck to Coach Raymond and the IC ladies.
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: heatlee on February 26, 2005, 02:40:30 PM
What happened to Elmira?  Their coach had them going in the right direction, and then they had a worse season than last year.  Is it a matter of one step back to take two steps forward?
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: d-mac on February 27, 2005, 05:26:50 PM
It is time to find out who is in... and who is out.
Whose bubble has been burst and who is wearing Cinderella's glass slippers.
It's Selection Sunday... and tonight there will be a special "Hoopsville" as the 2005 NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Brackets are announced... LIVE on our air!
The Road to Salem and Virginia Beach officially starts tonight!


It plans to be a huge night... as 50 womens and 48 mens teams are officially invited to the dance and a chance at a national title.

Some teams already know they are going (thanks to winning their conferences) and some think they are going, but there are always surprises.

So tonight, we will break it all down. Starting at 8:30 PM EST, we will take a look at who is definitely in, who might make it, who will be disappointed, and what match-ups you might want to look forward to seeing later in the week.

Then at 10:00 PM EST... we will broadcast LIVE the Women's Selection Show so you can find out when we do... the 50 teams on the Road to Virginia Beach.

That will be followed by the Men's Selection Show at 10:30 PM EST - when 48 teams find out what their Road to Salem will be like.

After those selections... we will go over it with a fine-tooth comb and find out who we think are the surprises!

And throughout the show, we will hear from different regions with live reports and talk to coaches that have made surprising moves into the tournament.

Of course, you can listen in thank to Goucher College.
We suggest you try and use the low-bandwith signal which will require you to have Real Player and selection the 28K version of the show.
At the same time, you can listen to the Broadcastmonsters.com version, using Windows Media Player (go to the "Hoopsville" page for more information).

And you can share your opinions and questions with us, live on the air.
email - hoopsville@d3hoops.com  
AOL IM - Hoopsville2000

And for more information... check out the "Hoopsville" website (www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville)!

Again... it all starts tonight at 8:30 PM EST.
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 27, 2005, 08:58:35 PM
Since nobody else seems to care (which is a damn shame) I will have to be the first on this board to congratulate the Ithaca Bombers on defending the E8 title and making the dance for the fifth year in a row. Way to go, ladies, go far in the NCAAs.
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: d-mac on March 01, 2005, 04:19:35 PM
It's time for the Big Dance... the teams are selected... the games are scheduled... and now 48 men's and 50 women's teams will take to the court this weekend with the same goal... a national title.
But who will win? The tournament previews are tonight on "Hoopsville"!!!


Sunday night we were live when the teams were selected and we found out who was in and out. The women's bracket was done relatively well... the men's bracket seems to be a bit of a disappointment.

But now we are looking ahead at the big games this weekend. From now on its win or go home.

One of those men's teams that is one of the hottest in the nation is #17 Gustavus Adulphus... who is riding an 18-game winning streak into the NCAA Tournament. The Gusties now will take on Lawrence on Thursday and could face the defending National Champs, UW-Stevens Point on Saturday. So, what might Mark Hanson be thinking. We will hear from him tonight and how his team has recovered from their 4-5 start to the season.

Now... the NCAA doesn't seed the Men's and Women's Brackets... but we will!
Tonight, live on the air, we will seed the men's and women's brackets according to how we see it and how we think the NCAA was thinking. So you can get an idea of who the NCAA thinks are the top teams and who might be hosting games in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 (Regionals).

And there are new #1 teams in both the Men's and Women's Top-25 this week... but barely. UW-Stevens Point is just points ahead of Amherst on the men's side. And on the women's, it is just a point between Scranton and Bowdoin.

We will breakdown the final regular season Top-25 and try and figure out what the voters were thinking. Along with pointing out how not all of the Top-25 made the tournament.

And of course, we will have live regional reports from around the nation and take your questions and comments live on the air.

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.

Go to the "Hoopsville" page for information on how you can listen in and chat with us live!
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: Not In The Bulb on March 01, 2005, 11:09:20 PM
Let me be the second to congratulate the Ithaca Bombers on their FIFTH straight trip to the NCAA Tournament and yet another Empire 8 Championship! You ladies have asserted your dominance in the conference year after year. Congratulations to this year's seniors. Even during the struggles of the early season we knew it was only a matter of time before things came together. The Bombers are peaking at the perfect time. Here's hoping Stephanie Cleary garners at least SOME consideration for National Player of the Year.
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: col on March 02, 2005, 12:37:08 PM
All Conference Selections

POY - Cleary, IC
ROY - Troutman, EC
Coach - Raymond, IC

1st Team:
Baum, SJF
Cleary, IC
Shipley, NAZ
Thomas, UC
Wilson, HC

2nd Team:
Diallo, RIT
Hartman, SJF
McGivern, NAZ
O'Donnell, SJF
Troutman, EC

Honorable Mention:
Coddington, AU
Couchman, RIT
Hayes, UC
Ivansheck, IC
Post, SJF
Sandy, RIT
Tichy, HC
Ventresca, UC
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: bball fan on March 02, 2005, 02:51:15 PM
Nash from Fisher didnt make it, you have to be kidding, she is heart and soul of that team! typical of empire 8!  They got the player of the year right, anyway, from a winning team.
Title: Empire Eight
Post by: heatlee on July 14, 2005, 09:42:38 PM
I asked this question before, and really got no answer.  Is it because no one cares or no one knows?  So, I'll give it another try.  What happened to Elmira? Their coach had them going in the right direction, and then they had a worse season than last year. Is it a matter of one step back to take two steps forward?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: patroonbball on October 22, 2005, 08:02:43 PM
Anyone know what Hartwick has this year?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on November 21, 2005, 05:53:39 PM
does anybody know anything about Ithaca's team this year? How are their freshman? They have a lot of scoring to make up for from last year!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on November 25, 2005, 05:59:25 PM
Quote from: patroonbball on October 22, 2005, 08:02:43 PM
Anyone know what Hartwick has this year?

Hartwick will start four Juniors and a Freshman. Had their 1st game/win against Albertus Magnus 11/22. They had strong play from the starting 5 and excellent off the bench play from their lone Senior.
They will be in the chase for the Empire 8 in 2005-06. The only roadblock will be injury, as they only carry 11 players.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on November 28, 2005, 01:32:34 PM
Quote from: lileyes on November 21, 2005, 05:53:39 PM
does anybody know anything about Ithaca's team this year? How are their freshman? They have a lot of scoring to make up for from last year!

Ithaca certainly did lose a lot from last year's squad. It's not easy to replace the school's all-time leading scorer as Ithaca will have to do this year with the departure of Stephanie Cleary. Jess Poole is also gone. She was a good role-player and ball-handler.

The onus falls primarily on Sue Kelly. She has a nice outside shot and is capable of scoring in bunches. She will, however, have to start going to the basket more and getting to the line for easy points. Ithaca shot 0-for-18 from long range against UofR, that will have to improve. I think for the first time in a few years, the Bombers won't be the favorite to win the conference. However, as they say, "to be the best, you have to beat the best." Until Fisher can beat Ithaca when it counts(E8 tourney) it's still Ithaca's title to lose.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: dewcrew88 on November 28, 2005, 08:44:21 PM
How good is the Utica freshmen Whitney Frament? Does anyone know?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: radiomike on December 01, 2005, 10:31:46 AM
There will be a LL-E8 matchups this weekend with William Smith vs Ithaca this weekend in Geneva. WEOS will broadcast the game beginning at 2PM on Saturday December 3. www.weos.org on the web or 89.7 FM in the Finger Lakes or 88.1 FM in Ithaca
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: patroonbball on December 03, 2005, 10:52:09 AM
Quote from: budcrew08 on November 28, 2005, 08:44:21 PM
How good is the Utica freshmen Whitney Frament? Does anyone know?

  She should be something. Catholic Central was promoting her as sure fired D 1. Surprised she ended up D3.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: roy_williams on December 06, 2005, 02:29:28 AM
Since we are talking about freshman in the Empire 8, Amy Smith of Ithaca is another great freshman guard out of Dover, NH. She was a multi-sport star in high school, and lead her team to two NH state championships, including one as a freshman. While she will battle for time this year and mostly learn the ropes, the Ithaca program picked up a great player. She is a future All-Conference player and a name that will be mentioned on the national scene before all is said and done. This is a great recruiting coup for Bombers.   
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on December 06, 2005, 02:40:42 PM
Good to hear, Roy, thanks for the tip.  IC needs to restock the shelves with talent quick to avoid a drop off.  Hope this Amy Smith is as good as you say.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on December 08, 2005, 11:22:59 AM
Looking at the Ithaca box scores, Amy Smith is barely playing. 

Whitney Frament of Utica, now there's a freshman making an impact!  Once Utica starts getting Ava Thomas the touches she needs those two should make quite a combo. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: dewcrew88 on December 22, 2005, 02:58:14 PM
Quote from: lileyes on December 08, 2005, 11:22:59 AM
Looking at the Ithaca box scores, Amy Smith is barely playing. 

Whitney Frament of Utica, now there's a freshman making an impact!  Once Utica starts getting Ava Thomas the touches she needs those two should make quite a combo. 

Does anyone think that Utica can step up and win the conference tournament and possibly make some noise nationally?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on December 27, 2005, 10:50:19 AM
Does anyone think that Utica can step up and win the conference tournament and possibly make some noise nationally?

I would love to see that.  I expect Utica to definitely make the conference tourny, but I think Fisher is too strong this year.  Utica is still a very young team.  They should be strong the next few years.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on December 28, 2005, 10:26:40 PM
From the limited knowledge I have of the women's side, I think Fisher has finally displaced Ithaca as the favorite in the conference. This is their one year to make some noise as many of their top players are seniors and have spent their first three years playing second fiddle to Ithaca.

The Bombers are in the midst of a rebuilding year. Considering they've dominated that conference for so long, they're more than entitled to one year of not dominating the conference. They're still a pretty decent team though their record going into conference play will be atrocious because of the brutal schedule they've played so far, including games this week @Bowdoin and @Southern Maine...two of the top 5 teams in the nation. Ithaca's still the conference champs until someone proves otherwise.

Hartwick is tough at home but was usually an echelon below Fisher and Ithaca. They should be tough this year, though, and if they can finally win an E8 tourney game or two, the Hawks could be dancin.

Utica is an up-and-coming women's team. They've continuously improved over the past five years or so. I saw them sophomore year and senior year(2003-04) and the improvement was dramatic. The conference is weaker than it usually is so they could make it into the E8 tourney if they can find a way to win on the road.

Not sure how Naz's team is this year. RIT, Elmira and Alfred won't make that much noise.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: patroonbball on January 01, 2006, 06:54:09 PM
 Could be Hartwick's year. They really need a point guard but Wilson and the two big kids give them three options. If they can break the press, it could be their's for the taking.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: hoopfan17 on January 09, 2006, 08:32:34 PM
Quote from: patroonbball on January 01, 2006, 06:54:09 PMThey really need a point guard but Wilson and the two big kids give them three options. [/b]

When you say they really need a point guard what do you consider Wilson then, is she not leading the conference in assists by a significant amount?  Also what two big kids are you talking about?  As for Fisher winning the conference I wouldn't hold your breath, they always start out the conference well and then somehow they drop off...so don't get too high on them winning the conference, we'll see how they're playing when the important games come.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on January 13, 2006, 07:47:53 PM
 Hartwick really hasn't had a point guard since the beginning of last season. Had a freshman who showed promise, but left team during the season. Has since transferred to another school.  Wilson isn't really a point guard regardless of her assist stats. The two big girls mentioned are Knight and Adams. Hartwick doesn't have much size when either of these two is not on the floor.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on January 13, 2006, 10:53:37 PM
Wilson's assist stats are impressive, however while averaging around 7 assists a game, she averages between 8 and 9 turnovers a game.  That may be what bigcheif is talking about in not being a "real" point gaurd. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: hoopfan17 on January 14, 2006, 12:06:17 AM
Bigchief, I was just wondering where you thought the Tichy kid stands, she is the third highest scorer Hartwick, but you did not mention her as an option.  Also I heard she was an all conference pick last year.  True Knight and Adams are options and do add size, but the freshman Harris is quite promising at times, or at least from what I've seen of her.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: hoopfan17 on January 14, 2006, 12:38:04 AM
Correction on Hartwick it's Danee Harrison as the promising freshman.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on January 15, 2006, 07:29:52 AM
I'd like to make it clear frrom the very start that any of my comments are not to be construed as being critical of any of the Hartwick players. Wilson is a fine player, but not a point guard. She plays point because there are no real alternatives on the team. Tichy is a fine player. She plays with injury and has more heart than most who step on the court. Harrison, the freshman, is a fine addition to the team. If she keeps working hard I see a bright future for her at the 'Wick. Also the promising freshman point guard, the one who left the team, was on the team last year. I hope that clears up any of my prior statements.
Hartwick has some talent.  I wish them well.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: hoopfan17 on January 18, 2006, 10:31:45 PM
Injuries may ultimately be the downfall to the Hartwick season.  Anytime you have a short bench and you continue to bang in practice those everyday bumps and bruises can continue to wear on them during the long season. 

How does everyone think the season will pan out?  Who will make the conference tournament?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: dewcrew88 on January 19, 2006, 10:14:51 AM
Quote from: hoopfan17 on January 18, 2006, 10:31:45 PM
Injuries may ultimately be the downfall to the Hartwick season.  Anytime you have a short bench and you continue to bang in practice those everyday bumps and bruises can continue to wear on them during the long season. 

How does everyone think the season will pan out?  Who will make the conference tournament?


Utica. ;)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on January 21, 2006, 08:12:45 AM
Quote from: hoopfan17 on January 18, 2006, 10:31:45 PM
Injuries may ultimately be the downfall to the Hartwick season.  Anytime you have a short bench and you continue to bang in practice those everyday bumps and bruises can continue to wear on them during the long season. 

Hoopfan17 it looks as if your words rang true last night. Hartwick loses to Ithaca in double overtime 79-75. Hartwick had only seven show up in the box score. Tough to hang with a team that can send fresh legs into the game. This is the 2nd game 'Wick went into dbl overtime, vs Oneonta, losing a close one. They need to do something on the "Hill" to attract and keep more players.

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on January 21, 2006, 12:02:08 PM
What's worse is that now Hartwick has to come back from playing a double OT game with 7 players and play a tough Elmira team less than 24 hours later...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on January 21, 2006, 07:01:35 PM
A good team, Elmira, beats Hartwick 66-50. Elmira shows 16 players on it's roster. Hartwick has maybe 10?  It has to make a difference in practice, which has to make a difference in games.
Playing a dbl OT game the night before is no excuse, but you have to know it makes a difference when you play 7.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: patroonbball on January 22, 2006, 01:05:43 PM
 Wilson can be point, but she is  natural 2. She plays the point because they have no other choice. I saw the game against Union and when Wilson wasn't bringing the ball up, Adams- the center was - so the lack of a point is their second biggest problem right now. The biggest is that they only have 7 players. With the Empire Firday-Saturday schedule now, it is almost impossible to do anything, unless you have 10 contrubtors.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on January 28, 2006, 03:45:06 PM
Fisher has a huge weekend knocking off Elmira (arguably the 2nd best team in the conference) and beating Ithaca by 13. 

Utica kills Naz by 30 on Friday night and somehow loses to RIT Saturday afternoon. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: hoopfan17 on January 29, 2006, 05:18:37 PM
I think it's obvious that Fisher and Elmira will definitely be in the tourny, but the other two spots are up in the air.  Utica falling to RIT is huge, not to mention Hartwick winning both games in Rochester this weekend is another factor...I believe Hartwick can run with those two wins, pull themselves together and get themselves in the conference tournament.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 01, 2006, 01:47:55 AM
Although it certainly hasn't been the type of season Ithaca Women's Basketball is known for, major congratulations are in order for the Bombers on completing one of the greatest comebacks in the history of Division 3 basketball.

Down by 22 (60-38) with a shade over six minutes left tonight to Oneonta, IC went on a 16-0 run and eventually tied the game with 12 seconds left and won in overtime by two, 72-70.

Amazing comeback IC, hopefully this will be a metaphor for how the rest of the E8 season will play out.  Go Bombers!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 11, 2006, 12:21:38 PM
Fisher beats Ithaca, 71-64. The Cards finish the game on a 16-0 run over the last 3:05 to win it. Ithaca, with the exception of the last 2 minutes, leads most of the way in this one.

I'm pretty sure Fisher doesn't want to see Ithaca in the E8 tourney.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: superman57 on February 12, 2006, 12:26:54 PM
Elmira, gets destroyed by fisher, game was never even in doubt.  on senior day the fearsome foursome does it again.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: superman57 on February 14, 2006, 09:13:40 AM
A great article on PK on ESPN.com http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/columns/story?columnist=mowins_beth&id=2324731
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: livath on February 25, 2006, 07:30:26 AM
guess Fisher did want Ithaca, they crushed them. should be a good game today with Elmira, they crushed Utica. Good Luck Cards
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: fisheralum03 on February 25, 2006, 08:20:37 AM
good luck to the Cardinals, bring it home!!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: livath on February 26, 2006, 08:15:46 AM
Major blow out yesterday at Fisher, they were unstoppable. Team game everyone got into the act. keep it going in NCAA
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: BobNapoleone on February 28, 2006, 06:53:14 AM
Congrats to the IC Lady Bombers......nice season overall.....Seniors will be missed!!

Cards nice wins in the conf. Championships...bring the E8 some recognition by making some noise in the NCAA's......

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: radiomike on February 28, 2006, 02:38:13 PM
WEOS will be broadcating the William Smith vs Fisher Game on Friday Afternoon at 5PM. You can hear it on WEOS, 89.7FM/90.3 FM Geneva, 88.1FM in Ithaca. Or on the web at Saturday  at http://www.weos.org/live.html 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on May 06, 2006, 11:07:49 PM
     The NFL draft is over, NBA playoffs are going on, and MLB is starting to heat up. More importantly, what's brewing in the E8  Women's hoops for next season?  There has been alot of dead space since the last basket scored at Springfield in the championship game.
     Is there any news out there? New recruits, new coaches or transfers? Will SJF repeat? Let's hear from you.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on November 01, 2006, 05:09:52 PM
Ok hoop fans ,lets get it going! I'm new to the Empire Eight scene, so fill me in. As I understand it SJF is the perenial  team to beat. Is that true for this year??How about Elmira, a  finals team last yearwith returning players.. I was told they have a talented freshman group coming in. Get me up to speed folks,I'm a  bball gym rat who is new to the area.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: maxpower on November 14, 2006, 10:08:02 AM
Big preview in the Democrat and Chronicle this morning:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061114/SPORTS09/611140320/1007/SPORTS



Not one mention of Ithaca, kind of burns me, but oh well. These ain't the Stephanie Cleary days.....
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on November 15, 2006, 09:02:00 AM
Thanks for the article Maxpower. Good info there,maybe some clues on who to watch for. Tell me about your Ithaca team.Who to watch for,newcomers,key games. Also any info on Elmira. Thanks again from the sotier
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 15, 2006, 02:07:49 PM
Sotier, I'll do some research on returning players and perhaps post an E8 women's preview similar to the post I made on the men's board.  As far as schedule goes, Elmira seems to have scheduled for wins in the non-conference slate.  Mitchell, Keystone, Southern Vermont and Albany College of Pharmacy aren't exactly the cream of D3.

IC as usual is playing a pretty tough non-league schedule with roadies against Cortland, Oswego and St. Lawrence (not to mention the first meeting in as long as I can remember with Cornell) and home dates against William Smith and UR.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: superman57 on November 17, 2006, 09:21:13 PM
PK... not coaching tonight...had a heart attack I think
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on November 20, 2006, 08:59:48 AM
Just scanned the capsules from this weekend.  The Bombers have a freshman (I don't have to say freshperson or first year do I?) post player that made the all tournament team.  Upon further examination, Jeanine Burke is 6'1".  Without looking, she has to be one of the bigger players in the E8 right?  Her numbers over the two games weren't really anything stellar though.  Coach Raymond really has done a good job bringing in talent though.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: superman57 on November 20, 2006, 10:47:40 AM
fisher has a new girl 6'1 a lot of freshman...should be real tough in a year or two
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on November 20, 2006, 10:53:07 AM
Quote from: Superman57 on November 20, 2006, 10:47:40 AM
fisher has a new girl 6'1 a lot of freshman...should be real tough in a year or two

Dang, to freshman girls over 6'?  That has to be an E8 first.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 20, 2006, 05:10:05 PM
Looks like the E8 women's teams went 7-3 on opening weekend, although none of the wins were over good competition and at least 2 of the 3 losses were red flags, Alfred lost by about 500 points at powerhouse NYU and Ithaca lost to perenially lousy Skidmore.  2 games on Saturday will show a lot of where the ladies side of the league is at this year: up-and-coming Utica visits LL top contender Union while Ithaca entertains a 14th-ranked UR team that just blew out #1 Scranton.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on November 20, 2006, 05:13:59 PM
Quote from: Caz Bombers on November 20, 2006, 05:10:05 PM
Looks like the E8 women's teams went 7-3 on opening weekend, although none of the wins were over good competition and at least 2 of the 3 losses were red flags, Alfred lost by about 500 points at powerhouse NYU and Ithaca lost to perenially lousy Skidmore.  2 games on Saturday will show a lot of where the ladies side of the league is at this year: up-and-coming Utica visits LL top contender Union while Ithaca entertains a 14th-ranked UR team that just blew out #1 Scranton.

Give them a few games to figure it out Zach.  They are so young and you want to judge the season based on their performance against a team that just knocked off #1?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 21, 2006, 01:12:30 AM
I didn't say I was judging Ithaca's season on the outcome of the UR game; I said I was judging the E8's strength as a whole.  If a mid-pack E8 squad like I expect IC to be can hang in with UR or hopefully even beat them, that says good things about where the league is at.  If UR rolls the Bombers, then the Empire 8 is probably not on the level that produced at-large bids for Ithaca and Fisher in recent years.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on November 21, 2006, 09:34:58 AM
Quote from: Caz Bombers on November 21, 2006, 01:12:30 AM
I didn't say I was judging Ithaca's season on the outcome of the UR game; I said I was judging the E8's strength as a whole.  If a mid-pack E8 squad like I expect IC to be can hang in with UR or hopefully even beat them, that says good things about where the league is at.  If UR rolls the Bombers, then the Empire 8 is probably not on the level that produced at-large bids for Ithaca and Fisher in recent years.

I tried to give you +k for evaluating the strength of women's hoops conferences but apparently, I have already done so in the past 24 hours so +imaginary k to you.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: maxpower on November 26, 2006, 06:01:59 PM
T minus one minute til tipoff of IC-UR... interesting test starts now.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 27, 2006, 01:02:17 AM
UR won 69-58.  Ithaca actually had a seven-point lead late in the first half but 14th-ranked Rochester went on a 20-1 run and finished it off from there.

The E8 women's teams are off to a pretty decent start as IC at 1-2 is the only sub-.500 team...worth noting that UR is far better than anybody faced by the Bombers' seven colleagues.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on November 27, 2006, 09:14:29 AM
Thanks for the UR-Ithaca update. UR-Elmira on tuesday night gives the E8 another chance to measure up against a  true quality opponent. Elmira coach Donahue must find the proper combination of players to improve their scoring. So far the loss of point guard to graduation (Cote) has not been resolved. Shooting at less than 30% will not win them many games. Interesting to see if Elmira will try to work through with the current lineup, or use these early non-league games to experiment some.Elmira is a great example of the importance of chemistry.Take away the point from a otherwise intact starting lineup  can lead to reshuffling. We will see.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on November 29, 2006, 12:33:44 PM
UR-Elmira.....It was a game for a half,and not much of one for the other.  UR comes out at the break playing like they realized  some better efffort was needed, and shot the ball extremely well ( the three  pointers  were killers). Elmira needs to find someone at the guard position who can score. Plus for Elmira was the defensive effort was there, and they hung with what is now the #4 team nationally. Build on it!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on December 06, 2006, 10:26:21 AM
Another L for the IC women's hoop team but, I think a sign of life for this young team.  Always good when you see a young group rally to erase a big second half deficit.  Raymond will have them firing on all cylinders once the E8 schedule begins...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 12, 2006, 08:20:54 AM
Was able to see Elmira play at their tounament this past weekend. They easily won both games. First game vs. Penn Tech was a blowout,second against Buffalo State slightly more competative. Elmira showed a smothering defense,and a long bench. They are very quick, athletic players. However,they seemed to have trouble finishing at the basket.They need more  chances on offense to score. They get them by forcing turnovers,I believe 40 with Penn Tech. In short, Elmira has yet to make me a believer, despit their 6-2 start. The starting schedule has been weak(other than Rochester of course)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 13, 2006, 07:27:37 PM
Ok, so the preseason games are in the bag and time for conference play. All the fans of the empire eight teams let us know how your team is shaping up. Who is the player to watch. Who is the  newcommer who is going to put your team in a better position to win. What are your predictions for the season. Step up posters and fill us in!!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on December 13, 2006, 11:09:50 PM
Without looking at more than W-L records and the names of some of the opponents (admittedly a less than scientific way to do things):

I pick Utica to win, SJF to place and Elmira, Ithaca and RIT to play musical chairs for the right to wear dark jerseys in the semis.  Alfred, Naz and Hartwick will....ummm...play 14 league games each.

I'd really like to think Ithaca will turn it around, they've been competitive in a lot of their games, including UR and St. Lawrence.  However...my buddies and I used to show up to the women's games knowing at least one of the two games that night was going to be an IC victory by a Top 25 team with D3 All-American talent.  I graduated in 2004 but those days feel like about a century ago.  Here's hoping the rebuilding is nearly complete.
Title: Big Problems at Hartwick
Post by: patroonbball on December 15, 2006, 09:52:28 PM
 Sounds like a major problem at Hartwick: http://www.thedailystar.com/sports/2006/12/15/13-hartwick-151.html

  I would think these two games would count as forfeits for 'wick. The future doesn't look any brighter there. Lindsey Wilson and company graduate this year and all those highly recruited freshmen are doing nothing.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on December 16, 2006, 02:06:48 PM
Thanks for the info, patroonbball.  Time was that Hartwick was the clear "best of the rest" behind IC and Fisher and usually gave the Bombers and Cardinals tough games home and away.  Those days are definitely behind them.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: hoopfan17 on December 30, 2006, 12:24:27 PM
My picks for the conference are as follows:

1.  SJF
2.  Utica
3.  Hartwick
4.  Toss up between RIT/Elmira/Ithaca

SJF is a well coached team and always seems to end up on top in the conference, with or without experience.  Utica however, not extremely well coached at all, but somehow ends up with athletic players.  Ava will carry this team to the conference tournament.  I feel that people out there are under estimating Hartwick, but if you look at their non conference schedule it was extremely tough.  They are returning everyone, but one player, who was not a huge contributor.  I feel that if the seniors can bring everything together this team could surprise many people in the Empire 8.  As for Ithaca, RIT, and Elmira I feel that they will all be fighting for the last spot and tend to shock a few people with key wins at home. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 09, 2007, 09:35:59 PM
In earlier posts, opinions were expressed that Ithaca was better than many think, that once the E8 season got into swing that they may have worked the kinks out. Well you folks were right,at least on this night. Tonight they put a spanking on Elmira.Put up 97, and basically dominated the game. As a newcommer to E8 basketball, I lack in perspective, but  thats a lot of points no matter how you look at it. So tell me fans,,
    --is Ithaca that good or were they having an "on" night
    --is Elmira that bad or were they having an "off" night
Despite Elmira"s record, and E8 leading scoring ,I have yet to see any flow to their offense. Its one pass and fire,not a play run through, no two pass-or three pass possession.They rely to much on scoring off turnovers.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on January 09, 2007, 10:13:53 PM
Very pleased to log on and see the great game played by the Bombers tonight in 97-77 win over Elmira.  Sotier, to answer your question, strength of schedule and that preparation given by the schedule has a lot to do with it.  IC was 2-7 against some very good teams including UR, St. Lawrence, D1 Cornell and others.  Elmira, besides a game against UR (Ithaca much closer to Jackets than EC, perhaps an indication of things to come) played some much lesser foes such as Southern Vermont and Keystone.  Still think EC will be a factor in the race for the league tournament.  Quite a lot of hoops left to play.  Go Bombers.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on January 10, 2007, 12:53:13 PM
Wow, suprised to see that IC EC score.  Elmira always has pretty high scores for because of their run and gun style, but I was still suprised.  I thought Elmira was going to be one of the top teams.  Anybody know who Ithaca has as weapons? I know they lost who I considered their best player. 

I don't know too much about the teams this year, just that Fisher lost the majority of their key players.  I pick Utica to finish 1st.  Nobody in the league can contain Ava Thomas.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 13, 2007, 08:41:51 PM
Elmira has a nice bounce back weekend after the loss to Ithaca.Friday they put a smothering defense to  Utica, and slowed Ava Thomas down for a confortable win.(lileyes, anyone can be stopped ) . Saturday.the story was the same against Hartwick. So now the question remains, was Ithaca an aboration? Beginning to think it was!! They can put up the points to win and when they play that kind of "d" they will.
Title: Hartwick
Post by: bigchief on January 13, 2007, 09:54:59 PM
What has happened at Hartwick? I can't believe they can turn this season around with the way they are playing. I see mention of four seniors, but only three are seeing any floor time. This is the first time in four years the team has more than one senior. Is there a story there?
Their main scorer is putting up some points, but have you seen the number of shots taken. As a team they don't shoot 40% from the floor! I agree with an earlier post that they were just outside the elite in the empire 8. Now they play as if they are going through the motions, no heart/no fire. What happened?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on January 13, 2007, 11:54:49 PM
I'm really not sure what to make of the women's E8 right now, it hasn't started off with results that I was expecting at all.  Thought Utica would sweep their road trip instead they come home with two losses.  Ithaca blows out Elmira and Utica, games I had the Bombers losing in my mind, but in between was a bad loss to Hartwick that I thought they would win.  RIT seems to have been cooled off at the Chase.  Maybe Fisher is just gonna run away and hide with the pennant.

EDIT: Well now, I just saw that Fisher lost by 32 to Geneseo this afternoon.  So, you know, maybe not so much the running away with the league thing.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 14, 2007, 08:30:14 AM
The message after week one of league play is ,"Empire 8  is a On Any Given Night League". Until  someone matures(SJF),becomes more consistant(EC)(RIT),properly uses their  strength(UC),or finds their coaching method(HC),anyone can win.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on January 14, 2007, 09:40:05 AM
Quote from: sotier on January 14, 2007, 08:30:14 AM
The message after week one of league play is ,"Empire 8  is a On Any Given Night League". Until  someone matures(SJF),becomes more consistant(EC)(RIT),properly uses their  strength(UC),or finds their coaching method(HC),anyone can win.
"Finds their coaching method(HC)?" Their head coach has been there since 1992. Did they loose their method along the way or did they not have one? The seniors on this team should be at the top of their game. If anything, they played better as freshmen.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: UCgrad45 on January 21, 2007, 10:44:40 PM
Nice win for the Utica women this weekend over fisher. Keep it up UC!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 29, 2007, 06:55:18 PM
Conference  games at the halfway point, where do your teams stand. Encouraged, disappointed,or simply confused??How do you think things will shakeout now?? Elmira and Ithaca at top right now, but I think it will be Elmira and Utica in the end. EC playing some great balll, getting everyone involved. Solid returning players, and some solid freshman play.Their deep bench is a asset for a playoff run.
Title: Re: Hartwick
Post by: patroonbball on January 29, 2007, 10:40:46 PM
Quote from: bigchief on January 13, 2007, 09:54:59 PM
What has happened at Hartwick? I can't believe they can turn this season around with the way they are playing. I see mention of four seniors, but only three are seeing any floor time. This is the first time in four years the team has more than one senior. Is there a story there?
Their main scorer is putting up some points, but have you seen the number of shots taken. As a team they don't shoot 40% from the floor! I agree with an earlier post that they were just outside the elite in the empire 8. Now they play as if they are going through the motions, no heart/no fire. What happened?


  I'm scratching my head myself. This is team where the seniors have played mega-minutes for 3-4 years and they have a terrible record this year. I expected them to win the empire 8 this season.  When Lindsey and company graduate this year, it looks real bad. The contributions of the rest of the team are marginal. I don't know whether it is poor recruiting or no recruiting at all.

   I'm sure the drinking incident that resulted in the college president forcing them to drop two games over break is having an affect. Everyone is real tight lipped about that. Lucky those 2 games don't count as forfeits.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on January 30, 2007, 01:30:52 AM
Quote from: sotier on January 29, 2007, 06:55:18 PM
Conference  games at the halfway point, where do your teams stand. Encouraged, disappointed,or simply confused??How do you think things will shakeout now?? Elmira and Ithaca at top right now, but I think it will be Elmira and Utica in the end. EC playing some great balll, getting everyone involved. Solid returning players, and some solid freshman play.Their deep bench is a asset for a playoff run.

Definitely extremely encouraged by IC being 6-1 and assured of at least a split with everyone that will be trying to make the tournament.  Encouraged as well by the fact that it seems to be a different player stepping up each game and also by nearly hitting 100 points on two different occasions (Elmira, at Alfred).  Concerned with the knowledge that 5 of the last 7 are on the road.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 31, 2007, 12:22:10 PM
Very nice post ,Caz. How about the other teams out there fans.Lets hear from SJF and UC and the rest.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: superman57 on February 02, 2007, 09:14:11 PM
Fisher is having a down year this year to many freshman...but man this team could be dominating in a year or two
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on February 03, 2007, 01:28:11 PM
UC beat Ithaca last night by 19...they played a great team game!  Tell me the last time you saw a women's DIII player have 27 pts, 19 rebs, 8 steals, and 5 blocks??

Should be 2 good game's out east today, Elmira and Utica, Ithaca and Hartwick. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on February 03, 2007, 01:49:46 PM
Quote from: lileyes on February 03, 2007, 01:28:11 PM
UC beat Ithaca last night by 19...they played a great team game!  Tell me the last time you saw a women's DIII player have 27 pts, 19 rebs, 8 steals, and 5 blocks??

Should be 2 good game's out east today, Elmira and Utica, Ithaca and Hartwick. 
I think there might be only one good game E vs U. Ithaca lost by 19 to a team (U) they had beaten by 18! Ithaca should be coming into this game with something to prove. Especially having lost to Hartwick earlier this season.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 03, 2007, 05:28:22 PM
elmira-utica looked to be a good game for the first ten minutes or so. Then a elmira run...utica collapse.Looking forword to EC-Fisher next saturday. Really looking forword to EC-Ithaca the tuesday after.Can Ec revenge their only loss(so far) against IC?? That will be a  pre-playoff test for both,and a real edge for the winner. P.S. congrates to Ava Thomas of UC on scoring her 1,000th point.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 04, 2007, 04:18:19 PM
E8 All-Conference candidates (all stats league games only) as we enter the final couple weeks:

Melanie Jackson (Alfred) - 13.1 ppg 9.9 rpg 16 steals SOPHOMORE

Kortney Troutman (Elmira) - 14.0 ppg 6.4 rpg 20 steals JUNIOR
Marcia Coakley (Elmira) - 13.7 ppg 4.6 rpg 40 steals SOPHOMORE
Mary Symonds (Elmira) - 9.0 ppg 4.6 rpg SOPHOMORE
Bridget Catanese (Elmira) - 8.8 ppg 7.1 rpg 23 steals 10 blocks .484 FG% JUNIOR

Lindsay Wilson (Hartwick) - 21.0 ppg 6.3 apg 19 steals SENIOR
Mara Tichy (Hartwick) - 13.6 ppg 8.1 rpg 23 steals .474 3pt% SENIOR
Jenny Knight (Hartwick) - 10.2 ppg 9.2 rpg 17 blocks .589 FG% SENIOR

Erika Steele (Ithaca) - 16.4 ppg 8.6 rpg 23 blocks .523 FG% .829 FT% JUNIOR
Sue Kelly (Ithaca) - 14.3 ppg 6.0 rpg SENIOR
Erin Sanvidge (Ithaca) - 11.0 ppg 4.4 apg 22 steals .826 FT% SENIOR

Whitney Smith (Nazareth) - 11.7 ppg 5.4 rpg .391 3pt% FRESHMAN
Kelly Dunne (Nazareth) - 9.4 ppg 19 steals .842 FT% FRESHMAN

Margot Sandy (RIT) - 16.2 ppg 8.8 rpg 24 blocks .792 FT% SENIOR
Joanna Dobeck (RIT) - 11.3 ppg 5.3 rpg 18 steals JUNIOR
Ramata Diallo (RIT) - 10.0 ppg 9.4 rpg 27 steals SENIOR

Allison Boehm (SJFC) - 14.8 ppg 9.0 rpg 5.1 apg 20 steals 10 blocks .400 3pt% JUNIOR
Ashley Dean (SJFC) - 13.3 ppg 7.1 rpg  JUNIOR
Mary Kate Comfort (SJFC) - 10.8 ppg 4.9 ppg 14 steals FRESHMAN

Ava Thomas (Utica) - 17.1 ppg 11.5 rpg 33 steals 24 blocks .500 FG% SENIOR
Laura Keating (Utica) 14.9 ppg 4.5 rpg 20 steals JUNIOR
Mallory Davis (Utica) - 13.5 ppg 4.5 rpg 16 steals SOPHOMORE

I'd vote for Ava Thomas as E8 Player of the Year with L. Wilson, A. Boehm, M. Sandy and E. Steele as the rest of the 1st Team.  Coach  of the Year either Matt Donohue (EC) or Dan Raymond (IC), whoever wins the regular season title.  Rookie of the Year to W. Smith of Naz with M.K. Comfort and K. Dunne right behind.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 04, 2007, 05:01:55 PM
2 thoughts while I was copying and pasting all of that stuff:

1) Alfred's roster has 1 senior, 1 junior, 1 soph and 12 freshmen.  The Lady Saxons are 4-16, 0-9 Empire 8.  These two facts might just be related somehow.

2) What happened to last year's E8 Rookie of the Year, Whitney Frament from Utica?  She's not on the roster and hasn't played in a game for UC.  A quick Google search doesn't turn her name up at another school.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 05, 2007, 09:41:22 AM
Another fine post caz. Insightfull comment on Alfred,after seeing them play twice this season I believe they are far better than their record. They have some  good post players and some good guard play. At times they show signs of putting it together, but cannot seem to sustain.We will see if that is because of youth,and lack of time together.
Like your list! Seeing it all down like that can put it all in perspective sometimes.
  --Elmira is still very young. Looks to finish first this year,  and has a fine freshman class some playing significant time. Repeat again next year?
  --Hartwick fans must be disappointed.Senior ladden team must have entered this year with high hopes.
  --Ithaca may be the most talented team right now,and is playing with a good mix of youth and experience.This your year?? EC and IC play a very simular style, who will play it better?
  --Utica.They have a dominante player(Ava Thomas) and guards that can shoot. But they seem to lack some heart. They play great at times only to be followed by long droughts of "time off".
  --SJF. The year began with a look to the future for SJF.This was going to be a rebuilding year.  And that is what it is turning out to be. Look out EC,UC,IC and the rest come playoff time.I have a feeling Kahlers rebuilding takes far less time than most.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Adam the Bull on February 05, 2007, 06:02:21 PM
Quote from: Caz Bombers on February 04, 2007, 04:18:19 PM
E8 All-Conference candidates (all stats league games only) as we enter the final couple weeks:

Melanie Jackson (Alfred) - 13.1 ppg 9.9 rpg 16 steals SOPHOMORE

Kortney Troutman (Elmira) - 14.0 ppg 6.4 rpg 20 steals JUNIOR
Marcia Coakley (Elmira) - 13.7 ppg 4.6 rpg 40 steals SOPHOMORE
Mary Symonds (Elmira) - 9.0 ppg 4.6 rpg SOPHOMORE
Bridget Catanese (Elmira) - 8.8 ppg 7.1 rpg 23 steals 10 blocks .484 FG% JUNIOR

Lindsay Wilson (Hartwick) - 21.0 ppg 6.3 apg 19 steals SENIOR
Mara Tichy (Hartwick) - 13.6 ppg 8.1 rpg 23 steals .474 3pt% SENIOR
Jenny Knight (Hartwick) - 10.2 ppg 9.2 rpg 17 blocks .589 FG% SENIOR

Erika Steele (Ithaca) - 16.4 ppg 8.6 rpg 23 blocks .523 FG% .829 FT% JUNIOR
Sue Kelly (Ithaca) - 14.3 ppg 6.0 rpg SENIOR
Erin Sanvidge (Ithaca) - 11.0 ppg 4.4 apg 22 steals .826 FT% SENIOR

Whitney Smith (Nazareth) - 11.7 ppg 5.4 rpg .391 3pt% FRESHMAN
Kelly Dunne (Nazareth) - 9.4 ppg 19 steals .842 FT% FRESHMAN

Margot Sandy (RIT) - 16.2 ppg 8.8 rpg 24 blocks .792 FT% SENIOR
Joanna Dobeck (RIT) - 11.3 ppg 5.3 rpg 18 steals JUNIOR
Ramata Diallo (RIT) - 10.0 ppg 9.4 rpg 27 steals SENIOR

Allison Boehm (SJFC) - 14.8 ppg 9.0 rpg 5.1 apg 20 steals 10 blocks .400 3pt% JUNIOR
Ashley Dean (SJFC) - 13.3 ppg 7.1 rpg  JUNIOR
Mary Kate Comfort (SJFC) - 10.8 ppg 4.9 ppg 14 steals FRESHMAN

Ava Thomas (Utica) - 17.1 ppg 11.5 rpg 33 steals 24 blocks .500 FG% SENIOR
Laura Keating (Utica) 14.9 ppg 4.5 rpg 20 steals JUNIOR
Mallory Davis (Utica) - 13.5 ppg 4.5 rpg 16 steals SOPHOMORE

I'd vote for Ava Thomas as E8 Player of the Year with L. Wilson, A. Boehm, M. Sandy and E. Steele as the rest of the 1st Team.  Coach  of the Year either Matt Donohue (EC) or Dan Raymond (IC), whoever wins the regular season title.  Rookie of the Year to W. Smith of Naz with M.K. Comfort and K. Dunne right behind.



Caz-Excellent breakdown...As the voice of the Pioneers I have seen all of these teams play at least once and a few of them twice...you can call me biased if you want...but there is no doubt who the player of the year is. Ava Thomas is by far the best all around player in the league. The stats back it up as well...but anyone who knows anything about basketball and has watched each team play knows shw is head and shoulders better then every other player in the league.

Coach of the Year....I have to go with Matt Donohue right night...has pushed all the right buttons and has used a number of interchangeable parts on his squad to perfection. I also agree that Whitney Smith should be the rookie of the year.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Adam the Bull on February 05, 2007, 06:03:32 PM
Quote from: Caz Bombers on February 04, 2007, 05:01:55 PM
2 thoughts while I was copying and pasting all of that stuff:

1) Alfred's roster has 1 senior, 1 junior, 1 soph and 12 freshmen.  The Lady Saxons are 4-16, 0-9 Empire 8.  These two facts might just be related somehow.

2) What happened to last year's E8 Rookie of the Year, Whitney Frament from Utica?  She's not on the roster and hasn't played in a game for UC.  A quick Google search doesn't turn her name up at another school.



Caz....Whitney Frament left school and as far as I know is not in any college currently or could possibly be playing junior college ball closer to home.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on February 05, 2007, 06:07:02 PM
I agree with Ava Thomas as player of the year. She averages a double double and is in the top of the conference in nearly every category.  I'd give coach of the year to EC's Matt Donahue, he knows how to use what he has.  It's not very often you see a coach use basically every player on the bench.  He figured out how to do that effectively.  From what I know of it, last year's rookie of the year (Whitney Frament of UC) left school to be closer to home.  She is not playing anywhere else.  It was a tough loss for the Pioneers. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Adam the Bull on February 05, 2007, 06:09:41 PM
Quote from: sotier on February 05, 2007, 09:41:22 AM
Another fine post caz. Insightfull comment on Alfred,after seeing them play twice this season I believe they are far better than their record. They have some  good post players and some good guard play. At times they show signs of putting it together, but cannot seem to sustain.We will see if that is because of youth,and lack of time together.
Like your list! Seeing it all down like that can put it all in perspective sometimes.
  --Elmira is still very young. Looks to finish first this year,  and has a fine freshman class some playing significant time. Repeat again next year?
  --Hartwick fans must be disappointed.Senior ladden team must have entered this year with high hopes.
  --Ithaca may be the most talented team right now,and is playing with a good mix of youth and experience.This your year?? EC and IC play a very simular style, who will play it better?
  --Utica.They have a dominante player(Ava Thomas) and guards that can shoot. But they seem to lack some heart. They play great at times only to be followed by long droughts of "time off".
  --SJF. The year began with a look to the future for SJF.This was going to be a rebuilding year.  And that is what it is turning out to be. Look out EC,UC,IC and the rest come playoff time.I have a feeling Kahlers rebuilding takes far less time than most.


Sotier...to say the Pioneers have know heart tells me that you obviously don't know this team at all. Besides their two losses two Elmira...a team they just don't match up well against...they have been in every other game this season....the reason they have been up and down is due to a lack of depth because of player (who lacked heart) that quit the team. To say that these young Women who have played very hard almost every game this season "have no heart" is an insult to them and there fans. Think next time before you speak.



By the way...I believe that Elmira and not Ithaca is the clear favorite right now to win the league...However as a big fan of Women's hoops I am excited to see that the league from top to bottom is probably as good as it has ever been. The depth and competitiveness of every team...including alfred....is very good to see.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on February 09, 2007, 09:50:24 PM
My comment is not so much of a reply to any topic. My comment is more of a question. "What happened at Hartwick?" I still can't make sense of this season. You have four seniors who've seen plenty of floor time since they were freshman. They had all played well. This year looks promising. What happened? Is it time for a change?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 09, 2007, 10:32:38 PM
EDIT: Nope, Alfred didn't win, they lost by 34.  Whoever input the score on the empire 8 schedule website keyed it in wrong then corrected it.  Never mind.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 10, 2007, 06:55:54 PM
Looks like Tuesday night may be for the right to host the E8 Women's Tourney as Elmira tries to avenge an 18-point thumping to start the conference season in Ithaca. IC almost put up three digits on the EC that night. I take nothing from that fact that the Bombers won by 18 the first time around because the Bombers also beat Utica by 18 at the Bulb then proceeded to lose by 19 in Utica. Should be a good game. I like IC's heart and I think they'll come through. I just hope they don't give it back next weekend against RIT or Naz.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 10, 2007, 09:43:48 PM
gobombers is right, this coming tuesdays game between IC and EC may be THE defining game of the season for both clubs. Will the outcome be different than their first meeting? All I can say is that EC coach has done a tremendous job in developing his bench.  EC is deep. Both at guard and forward position. If one or more of the parts is not clicking, plug in a different part and keep rolling.New options have been developed since the first meeting,and better understanding of the system by the young players. Be ready IC you will face 40 minutes of constant pressure.How I wish I could be at the game, go if you can fans this will be one to remember.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 11, 2007, 12:08:59 AM
I don't think the pressure will bother the Bombers. They are well-schooled in handling the press. I think that's an effect of having to play Fisher two or three times each season. I think if Ithaca executes, they can win that game. The Bombers have seemed to have had Elmira's number in the past. We'll see what happens on Tuesday night. However, I get the feeling that Tuesday night's matchup may not be the last between the two teams...what we don't know is where that potential third game will be played.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 11, 2007, 08:23:34 AM
Fisher fans, is the time here for Kahler to retire?  Being new to the area,I have not seen him on the bench in years past. But saturday he did nothing against EC. I can hear the screeming already.He is a legand,he has won more games than anyone,he can still outcoach all the rest. But realistically, can he still. All good things come to an end,and I think we are seeing the end of a career here.I recognize his Great sucess,Iwish him well.But its time to ride off into the sunset.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 11, 2007, 11:24:58 AM
Quote from: sotier on February 11, 2007, 08:23:34 AM
Fisher fans, is the time here for Kahler to retire?  Being new to the area,I have not seen him on the bench in years past. But saturday he did nothing against EC. I can hear the screeming already.He is a legand,he has won more games than anyone,he can still outcoach all the rest. But realistically, can he still. All good things come to an end,and I think we are seeing the end of a career here.I recognize his Great sucess,Iwish him well.But its time to ride off into the sunset.

Sotier, he has been that way for years. The female assistant is the one who is always pacing the sideline and barking out orders. That said, and make no mistake about it, Kahler is still the coach of that team. She is just the one relaying his orders. If she ever did something he didn't agree with, his say goes. Also, during timeouts, he's the one that does most of the talking.

This coaching transition has been in the making for years. I'm sure that in the next couple of years Kahler will be stepping down. However, I'm a firm believer that so long as you're not hanging on to the detriment of the players, the coach can continue as long as he wants (especially at the D3 level). I don't think Kahler's presence is hurting the team and that, given he is a legend, he can pick his time.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 11, 2007, 07:55:36 PM
Also, look at how much talent Fisher lost from last year's team. The Cards are allowed a rebuilding year. The same thing happened to Ithaca last season after the departure of the best player that the E8 has ever seen in Stephanie Cleary.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Adam the Bull on February 11, 2007, 08:07:14 PM
I have seen both Elmira and Ithaca play twice and to be honest I am shocked that Ithaca won the first meeting. I think Elmira beats Ithaca by 10 on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on February 11, 2007, 09:17:24 PM
Stephanie Clearly put up some great #'s, but I don't know if you can call her the best player the E8 has ever seen.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 12, 2007, 01:51:08 AM
Quote from: lileyes on February 11, 2007, 09:17:24 PM
Stephanie Clearly put up some great #'s, but I don't know if you can call her the best player the E8 has ever seen.

Who do you propose is better? Cleary's numbers were unreal and the fact she didn't win E8 POY in her junior year (Jennifer Parker? Please!) was one of the biggest screw-jobs I've ever seen. At the risk of sounding closed-minded, I really don't think there is much to debate considering how long the conference has been in existence. There were just no holes in her game.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 12, 2007, 10:04:46 AM
Interesting.Neither EC or IC has had a player of the week for E8 this year, and only once mentioned for a rookie of the week. What do we make of that? If anything.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 12, 2007, 12:17:18 PM
Quote from: sotier on February 12, 2007, 10:04:46 AM
Interesting.Neither EC or IC has had a player of the week for E8 this year, and only once mentioned for a rookie of the week. What do we make of that? If anything.

I think both teams are very deep and don't look to one or two places for their scoring. Each team has five or six players that can score double-figures on a given night.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 12, 2007, 11:22:07 PM
Quote from: lileyes on February 11, 2007, 09:17:24 PM
Stephanie Clearly put up some great #'s, but I don't know if you can call her the best player the E8 has ever seen.

If anyone else has had a 2nd Team d3hoops.com All-American, I'd like to hear about it.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 13, 2007, 01:09:39 AM
Quote from: Caz Bombers on February 12, 2007, 11:22:07 PM
Quote from: lileyes on February 11, 2007, 09:17:24 PM
Stephanie Clearly put up some great #'s, but I don't know if you can call her the best player the E8 has ever seen.

If anyone else has had a 2nd Team d3hoops.com All-American, I'd like to hear about it.

Frankly, I was surprised she didn't make 1st Team.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 13, 2007, 01:51:44 AM
Well, we only put five on our first team, unlike the 10 the coaches' association does. :)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on February 13, 2007, 02:41:27 PM
I think the only player in E8 history that could legitimately challenge Cleary for best player in conference history is Kerri Brown.  But without doing a bit of research I think Cleary was better as a Senior than Brown was.  Then again, Brown had to share the ball with Cleary in her senior year.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 13, 2007, 03:28:35 PM
Quote from: Chairman JoseQViper on February 13, 2007, 02:41:27 PM
I think the only player in E8 history that could legitimately challenge Cleary for best player in conference history is Kerri Brown.  But without doing a bit of research I think Cleary was better as a Senior than Brown was.  Then again, Brown had to share the ball with Cleary in her senior year.

Yes, but Cleary had to share the ball for three years with Jennie Swatling. Jennie also has quite the resume and you could argue that she may have been better than both of them. The only E8 award she doesn't have on her mantle is the E8 POY, which she also could have won in 2003-04 (in other words, how in God's name did Jennifer Parker win it over Swatling or Cleary...something I'll never know). Jennie was, and still is, a pretty close friend of mine and the only discernible difference between Cleary and Swatling is their mentality; there was no doubt that Cleary has the alpha dog personality. I'll put it this way and you can make your own deductions from what I said and didn't say: Jennie was more than happy if she only scored 8 or 10 points and the team won...Steph, well, Steph was happy if the team won and she scored a lot of points. Also, the one thing that I think Cleary has over Swatling is that Cleary had to carry the team in 2004-05 and Swatling never had to do that, given her ample supporting cast (always had either Brown, Cleary or even Gawronski). I'll say this, if Jennie was a different type of person and player, I think we'd be talking about her in the same breath as Cleary.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 13, 2007, 07:46:18 PM
Ithaca and Elmira in a tight one, tied at 63 with 4.8 seconds remaining.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 13, 2007, 08:11:00 PM
Elmira wins, 64-63. Not sure what happened there at the end. My internet kept cutting out. There was some debate about whether an intentional foul should have been called. I'm not really sure. Either way, E8 Women's Tourney will be at Elmira.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 14, 2007, 02:01:41 PM
If your lucky you, you see one game a season that you just will not forget for  a long time.Tuesday night Elmira and Ithaca treated us to such a game.No one yelled uncle, no one gave up, no one disappointed. Each score was countered with the same, like a heavy weight counter punch.Neither could secure an advantage. From the start it had the feel of a game where you new something dramatic would win it in the end. Thats just the way it ended.  Championships should be won in a game just like that, and if we are lucky(one more time), they will meet again for the E8 title. Here's hoping for it.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on February 14, 2007, 05:42:48 PM
Yea I would say Kerri Brown should be in consideration as best E8 player. I would also throw in Tiffany Hurley. 

Sounds like Elmira/Ithaca was a great game! Shoudl be an interesting women's E8 tourny.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on February 14, 2007, 05:45:35 PM
Also, I think Jen Parker was the most talented player the E8 has seen.  It's really too bad for her and Elmira that she only played 2 seasons.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 14, 2007, 06:00:25 PM
Quote from: lileyes on February 14, 2007, 05:45:35 PM
Also, I think Jen Parker was the most talented player the E8 has seen.  It's really too bad for her and Elmira that she only played 2 seasons.

Lileyes, don't even get me going. I went to see her play in her senior year because I had heard through the grapevine that she was really good. I'll put it this way, she looked utterly overwhelmed in that game against IC. I think Swatling and Cleary ended up combining for around 50 that night and I think Parker had like 10. She was a good player, but I'll leave her at that. She was good. Not great.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on February 14, 2007, 06:50:31 PM
She was never a senior.  She only played her freshman and sophomore year.  And yeah, you said it, you saw her play once...once! You can't say that at some point in any great player's career that htey don't have a bad game. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 14, 2007, 10:16:38 PM
Quote from: lileyes on February 14, 2007, 06:50:31 PM
She was never a senior.  She only played her freshman and sophomore year.  And yeah, you said it, you saw her play once...once! You can't say that at some point in any great player's career that htey don't have a bad game. 


So a supposedly great player happened to have one of her rare bad games against the best team in the league, going head-to-head against equal and superior talent?  I can't believe it!! That never happens.  WATFO?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 15, 2007, 01:19:36 AM
Quote from: lileyes on February 14, 2007, 05:45:35 PM
Also, I think Jen Parker was the most talented player the E8 has seen.  It's really too bad for her and Elmira that she only played 2 seasons.

It's one thing to get your rocks off against the RIT and Alfred's of the conference, it's another to do it against Ithaca and Fisher. I remember looking after she won POY and seeing how pedestrian her numbers were against the top two teams. That was part of the reason it was so upsetting; she put up monster numbers against the aforementioned garbage teams while Cleary and Swatling were usually on the pine for most of the 2nd half against those teams because IC was routing them, and Parker probably got the votes from the bad teams. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if Cleary/Swatling cost one another votes (cut each other up, in other words).

I'm not saying Parker is a bad player; she's obviously not. But comparing her to Swatling and Cleary isn't right. To analogize, Parker would be like going to a nice Prime Rib or Steak restaurant and ordering the Chicken Oscar; sure, it's good, but it's still chicken and why would you order chicken when you could have a Prime Rib or a Filet?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on February 15, 2007, 08:30:57 AM
hahahaha i still have my opinion, but i love the analogy!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 15, 2007, 08:02:17 PM
playoff time  is near . Elmira,Ithaca and Utica will be in but who will be the fourth?Two teams are currently tied for forth place (RIT and SJF). And one game back is Hartwick. RRIT has a tough weekend coming up with games against bot EC and IC. Fisher playes Utica and Hartwick. Hartwick playes Fisher and Alfred. As disappointing as your year has been Hartwick, you may yet salvage a playoff spot. The schedual is in your favor
.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 16, 2007, 11:17:44 PM
EC takes the #1 seed by beating Naz tonight while Ithaca loses at RIT. 

Since the Empire 8 isn't that old, one may have to go back to the old EAA days to find Elmira's last championship, regular season or postseason, in ANY SPORT.  I'm almost dead positive Elmira hasn't won anything since I first showed up at IC in August 2000.  Let's just say EC won't have much trouble finding room in the trophy case for the 2007 women's basketball regular season plaque.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: maxpower on February 17, 2007, 08:51:38 AM
With all due respect to Amy Tagliareni,

Elmira is the bane of my existence.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 17, 2007, 01:32:18 PM
Quote from: maxpower on February 17, 2007, 08:51:38 AM
With all due respect to Amy Tagliareni,

Elmira is the bane of my existence.

Max, I've heard they've gotten better...now sending out boxscores within 2 to 3 business days, at most, of the end of the game. :)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: heatlee on February 17, 2007, 07:55:29 PM
I know they spilt their two games this year winning a close one at home and another tight one on the road, but can Elmira bounce back and beat RIT after just losing to them? 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 17, 2007, 09:58:50 PM
Probably.  Gotta figure Elmira didn't wanna show RIT anything in a game where EC wasn't playing for anything.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 18, 2007, 07:43:25 AM
Didnt see the EC vs RIT game but checking the stats  its a wonder that EC was even in the game the way they shot the ball in the first half. 25% from the field-18% from three range- and 50% at the line....not good. Goes to show ,I guess, that a good defense effort will give a team a chance even when all else fails. RIT played well and with emotion on their senior night and  congrates to them.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 18, 2007, 09:00:23 AM
How does the E8 stack up as compared to other D3 leagues? Does the E8 tourney winner  stand a chance in the D3 tourney? Does Elmira deserve some respect on a national level for their season so far,considering that 2 of their 5 losses are to UR and Cortland, ranked teams?  Looking forward to the coming weekend. Predictions?? Elmira by 10 over RIT. IC by 8 over UC. EC by 2 for the title in another great game!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 18, 2007, 02:46:24 PM
Quote from: sotier on February 18, 2007, 09:00:23 AM
How does the E8 stack up as compared to other D3 leagues? Does the E8 tourney winner  stand a chance in the D3 tourney? Does Elmira deserve some respect on a national level for their season so far,considering that 2 of their 5 losses are to UR and Cortland, ranked teams?  Looking forward to the coming weekend. Predictions?? Elmira by 10 over RIT. IC by 8 over UC. EC by 2 for the title in another great game!!

Sorry sotier....there isn't an E8 team regionally ranked, so this is a one-bid league.  It's not who you lost to, it's who you beat and Elmira didn't beat anybody worth talking about.  Ithaca played a stronger schedule but didn't do jack against it until league play started.  The fate of our champ is probably to be smoked by Cortland, Brockport, UR, St. Lawrence.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 19, 2007, 03:24:05 PM
If you are unfortunate in that you cannot go to EC to see the games live for the championship....DONT PANIC ....you can see the games via live internet feed  at the following sight....www.pennatlantic.com     ....checked it out and the games are listed, and for no cost...watch  these sure to be exciting games...out for now...sotier
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Adam the Bull on February 19, 2007, 03:26:48 PM
I have seen every team play at least once and here's how I see it....

Player of the Year-Ava Thomas (Utica)
Rookie of the Year-Whitney Smith (Nazareth)


First Team
Ava Thomas (Utica)
Lindsay Wilson (Hartwick)
Kourtney Troutman (Elmira)
Margot Sandy (RIT)
Allison Boehm (St. John Fisher)

Second Team
Mara Tichy (Hartwick)
Jenny Knight (Hartwick)
Mallory Davis (Utica)
Sue Kelly (Ithaca)
Laura Keating (Utica)

Third Team
Erika Steele (Ithaca)
Whitney Smith (Nazareth)
Marcia Coakley (Elmira)
Mary Symonds (Elmira)
Ramata Diallo (RIT)
Melanie Jackson (Alfred)

Fourth Team
Stephanie Bowens (Nazareth)
Joanna Dobeck (RIT)
Dana Danziger (Utica)
Erin Sanvidge (Ithaca)
Karen Crisanti (Utica)
Kelly Dunne (Nazareth)
Ashley Dean (St. John Fisher)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 19, 2007, 06:14:46 PM
If being #3 in the conference in scoring and #4 in rebounding only gets you third-team status, it's sure a bad year to be Erica Steele (16.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg). C'mon now, Adam.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 19, 2007, 06:58:19 PM
Oh-No not the great  all-confrance teams debate.Not yet anyway. Only go so far as the POY and ROY. Has to be Ava Thomas and Whitney Smith there can be little debate there. The rest we"ll talk about after this weekend. Out for now...sotier
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Adam the Bull on February 19, 2007, 08:41:55 PM
Quote from: gobombers15 on February 19, 2007, 06:14:46 PM
If being #3 in the conference in scoring and #4 in rebounding only gets you third-team status, it's sure a bad year to be Erica Steele (16.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg). C'mon now, Adam.


I went by their overall stats and my observations....she was the last cut off my second team.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Adam the Bull on February 19, 2007, 08:44:23 PM
you are right, Bombers. Based on the conference only stats she should be moved up the list.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: BobNapoleone on February 21, 2007, 08:21:46 AM
Quote from: sotier on February 19, 2007, 03:24:05 PM
If you are unfortunate in that you cannot go to EC to see the games live for the championship....DONT PANIC ....you can see the games via live internet feed  at the following sight....www.pennatlantic.com     ....checked it out and the games are listed, and for no cost...watch  these sure to be exciting games...out for now...sotier



sotier...Thanks for the tip....


Go Lady Bombers...bring us an E8 CHAMPIONSHIP!



                  "TEAM D and shootin the three"                           

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: BobNapoleone on February 21, 2007, 08:23:29 AM
Quote from: Adam the Bull on February 19, 2007, 03:26:48 PM
I have seen every team play at least once and here's how I see it....

Player of the Year-Ava Thomas (Utica)
Rookie of the Year-Whitney Smith (Nazareth)


First Team
Ava Thomas (Utica)
Lindsay Wilson (Hartwick)
Kourtney Troutman (Elmira)
Margot Sandy (RIT)
Allison Boehm (St. John Fisher)

Second Team
Mara Tichy (Hartwick)
Jenny Knight (Hartwick)
Mallory Davis (Utica)
Sue Kelly (Ithaca)
Laura Keating (Utica)

Third Team
Erika Steele (Ithaca)
Whitney Smith (Nazareth)
Marcia Coakley (Elmira)
Mary Symonds (Elmira)
Ramata Diallo (RIT)
Melanie Jackson (Alfred)

Fourth Team
Stephanie Bowens (Nazareth)
Joanna Dobeck (RIT)
Dana Danziger (Utica)
Erin Sanvidge (Ithaca)
Karen Crisanti (Utica)
Kelly Dunne (Nazareth)
Ashley Dean (St. John Fisher)



Adam,
  nIce job......plenty of work for sure! Some disagreements, but let's see the lady's play this weekend first......Good Luck to all of the teams and SENIORS..CONGRATULATIONS on your careers!!!

Finish with a bang!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 21, 2007, 11:45:29 PM
Quote from: Adam the Bull on February 19, 2007, 08:44:23 PM
you are right, Bombers. Based on the conference only stats she should be moved up the list.

Yeah, that's what I usually go by. It's the most fair way to do it as different teams play different levels of competition in their OOC schedules. Without looking, I know IC had Cortland and UR this year. I'm sure those games don't help the stats. When you look at the conference-only numbers, everyone has played the same teams/competition so it's the most fair way of doing it.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 23, 2007, 02:54:51 PM
Predictions for tonight's games:

RIT   59
Elmira 71

Home court is the difference from the game six days ago.

Utica   69
Ithaca 78

Utica hasn't done much off of their home floor. To an extent, same can be said for Ithaca. I like Ithaca's experience in this one as Sue Kelly goes for 22 and Steele has 15 and 10.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 11:55:10 AM
IC-EC round 3....gooooooo Bombers!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 24, 2007, 12:09:10 PM
Quote from: gobombers15 on February 23, 2007, 02:54:51 PM
Predictions for tonight's games:

RIT   59
Elmira 71

Home court is the difference from the game six days ago.

Utica   69
Ithaca 78

Utica hasn't done much off of their home floor. To an extent, same can be said for Ithaca. I like Ithaca's experience in this one as Sue Kelly goes for 22 and Steele has 15 and 10.

Not bad on the Ithaca/Utica prediction if I do say so myself. Off by only one point for each team and hit the total points right on the head. Nice victory for the Bombers. The margin would have been even greater if the refs didn't allow Utica to take what seemed like 30 FT's over the last six minutes. The Utica players would just barrel down the lane, hurl themselves into an Ithaca player and be rewarded with FT's about 95% of the time. Oh well, a win is a win.

I agree that Ava Thomas is the POY but Mallory Davis looked 10x more dangerous than her last night. I think Thomas lost her aggressiveness when she picked up that 2nd foul in the first half. Also, hate to be "that guy" but Steele just owned Thomas last night, putting up 21 and 20 and really dominating the matchup. She had at least two or three big blocks on Thomas, as well. I think Steele is next year's E8 POY on the women's side.

Also, look at the three matchups between the two players. Steele took two rounds, Thomas took one. Here are their stats in those matchups.

Game 1 (Ithaca wins, 78-60)

Steele: 6-10 fg, 19pts, 9 rebs
Thomas: 3-8 fg, 9pts, 4 rebs
Advantage: Steele

Game 2 (Utica wins, 75-56)

Steele: 8-15 fg, 18pts, 9 rebs, 3 blocks
Thomas: 11-23 fg, 27pts, 19 rebs, 8 blocks
Advantage: Thomas

Game 3 (Ithaca wins, 79-68)

Steele: 8-17 fg, 21pts, 20 rebs, 3 blocks
Thomas: 4-18 fg, 13 pts, 19 rebs, 3 blocks
Advantage: Steele

Averages
Steele: 19.3 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 52.4% FG's
Thomas: 16.3 ppg, 14.0 rpg, 36.7% FG's

From that, I really don't know how Steele wouldn't be a first team player in this conference. She's in the top five in points and rebounds/game in conference play and has outplayed Thomas, overall, in their three matchups. Give her some love, E8.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 04:48:00 PM
39-35 Bombers at halftime; Erika Steele 14 pts 6 boards, Molly Friel with 12 off the bench.  Marcia Coakley 12 pts for Elmira.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 24, 2007, 04:53:25 PM
Elmira with all the momentum, closing on a 10-2 run. Looks like Ithaca has the better basketball team while Elmira just wants the game to get into a helter skelter pace. I'd say at least 70% of their points are off IC turnovers. The halfcourt offense leaves A LOT to be desired.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 05:12:25 PM
Katherine Bixby is the breakout star of this tournament...13 pts so far in the finals.  Timeout Elmira, 57-48 Bombers with 15:07 left.

EDIT: Uh oh, 15-4 Elmira run since that timeout chops the lead down to 61-60, timeout Bombers, 10:50 to go.  Gimmick-ball creates 26 Ithaca turnovers.  Elmira has 18 of its own.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 05:41:23 PM
75-73, Ithaca, timeout IC with 3:22 left.

EDIT: 80-78 IC with 55 ticks left.  Marcia Coakley of EC with a couple costly FT misses...a steal and it's Elmira ball with a chance to tie or take the lead...Steele a one-woman block party!!

Timeout EC, 40 seconds left down 2.  DDDDDFFEEEENNNSSSEEE!!!

EDIT: I don't know who I'm even posting to anymore, but what the heck...Elmira ties it.  Ithaca calls timeout with 24 seconds left, 80-80.  Get it to Steele...........
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 05:55:04 PM
Ithaca turns it over for the 35th time (!!!), Elmira with a chance to win it....
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 24, 2007, 05:55:36 PM
5-second violation on Ithaca with 10 ticks left. Elmira ball. Tied at 80-80. Not suggesting anything but that was one of the quicker 5-second calls I've seen.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 05:57:04 PM
Naturally, we've got overtime.  Lordy.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 24, 2007, 05:59:18 PM
Wow. Steele gets a rebound and is tripped. The refs don't call a foul and instead call a travel. Good thing Elmira didn't win on that. Going to OT.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 06:05:14 PM
2:30 left in OT 84-84.  Come on IC!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: simon on February 24, 2007, 06:05:42 PM
I am an Ithaca Grad. Played under Christine Pritchard. We didnt have a great team but boy did we have fun. The platoon system of subbing just didnt work for our team. If she allowed her players to play we would of been dangerous.Thanks for the updates. GO BOMBERS
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 06:08:27 PM
Quote from: simon on February 24, 2007, 06:05:42 PM
I am an Ithaca Grad. Played under Christine Pritchard. We didnt have a great team but boy did we have fun. The platoon system of subbing just didnt work for our team. If she allowed her players to play we would of been dangerous.Thanks for the updates. GO BOMBERS

Welcome aboard Simon.  Huge 3s for Sanvidge and Kelly, 92-87 Bombers with 44 seconds left....

EDIT: Bombers by 7, stretching it out now but not over yet, EC ball with 25 to go.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: simon on February 24, 2007, 06:11:29 PM
Thanks Caz!!! Did you play at Ithaca???? I would love to go bck for their alumni game but my schedule has not permitted it Boy this one is a nail biter!!!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 06:14:00 PM
Quote from: simon on February 24, 2007, 06:11:29 PM
Thanks Caz!!! Did you play at Ithaca???? I would love to go bck for their alumni game but my schedule has not permitted it Boy this one is a nail biter!!!!

Heh, I did not.  Consider me just an enlightened guy who enjoyed the '01-04 seasons of IC domination in the E8.

97-92, ITHACA WINS THE 2007 EMPIRE 8 CHAMPIONSHIP, DANCING FOR THE 6TH TIME IN 7 SEASONS!!

Erika Steele 20 pts, 17 boards, 5 blocks, 3 steals...that's gotta be your tourney MVP right there.  Sue Kelly 20 points and 6 rebounds; 16 pts, 7 assists and 4 boards for Katherine Bixby (freshman), 15-4-5 for Erin Sanvidge and 14 pts for Molly Friel.  Way to go ladies!! 

Elmira got a fantastic game from Marcia Coakley (29 pts), Bridget Catanese (17 pts, 6 boards, 5 steals) Mary Symonds (16 pts) and Kortney Troutman (14 pts).  Give yourselves a hand, Elmira, great season, now go win the ECAC Tournament.

Wonder who IC will play?  My guess is it starts in a "Cort" and ends in a "land."
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 24, 2007, 06:14:28 PM
BOMBERS WIN!!!! Ithaca will be dancing. Great game by Elmira, they showed a lot of heart. In the end, the better team won.  A lot of people will point to Elmira's atrocious FT shooting and say the Soaring Eagles should have won. To those people, I say you're wrong. The reason Elmira was even in this game was their helter skelter style of play; to that end, the reason they didn't do well at the line was also because of their style of play. Elmira was just worn out in the last five minutes of this game. Too many people playing too many minutes. I watched the game and Elmira had absolutely no legs on their FT's in the second half. You'll have that when you play that style.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: simon on February 24, 2007, 06:16:36 PM
Congrats to the Bombers!!!!!!!! Good luck in the Dance baby!!!!!! Caz do you know if IC will braodcast their game on the web anywhere. If so could you let me know where? I would like to get back into following the team like I used to. Thanks
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 24, 2007, 06:21:35 PM
I'd be willing to bet WICB will do the game online.  Check bombers.ithaca.edu in the next couple days; the field will be announced Sunday but I don't believe the pairings will be made known til Monday.   Since we know we're in, Monday's the key day.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 24, 2007, 10:59:06 PM
Great  reporting job there Caz!! I was fortunate enough to catch it first hand, and it was all I hoped for in a championship game. The two best teams going at it to the bitter end plus five more minutes.From the start it was evident that IC was the better half court team,and tonight a whole lot better,  but we knew that going in. What we didnt know was if that "helter-skelter" defense of Elmira would be able to cause enough turnovers to keep them in it.At first it didnt look so, but even the IC fan in the stand has to give EC their scrappy credit. Coakley put on an absolute clinic on how to play pressure defense.Her effort was outstanding.Hands down the best defender I saw all year. But in the end ,IC has to much ability to score.Shut down one, another makes a shot, then another, then  someone else.Elmira had chances to win and failed to convert,IC did not let their chances go by unanswered, and thats the sign of a deserving winner. A great thank you to both teams for giving this ole gym rat one heck of a show!! Out for now.....sotier
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 25, 2007, 09:33:47 AM
A difinative statement should be difinative right! Well I made one a while back that I want to take back. I said that Ava Thomas was unquestionably the  Player of the Year,I now take that back. After watching them play during this weekend, and during the regular season, I now have to go with Steele. She knows who she is as a player. She is a post all the way and playes like it. She is a scorer from her position, and a solid defender from her position. Always active,always involved. I know Ava has better numbers,but numbers do not tell it all. In the tight spot Steele was there Ava was not.
  And while I'm at it ,Coackley has to be a top 5 player in this league. Defense the way she plays it, (unrelenting) is a rare thing and she deserves that recognition for it.The words UNRELENTING and EFFORT will always pop into my head when I see the word COACKLEY!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigbetty55 on February 25, 2007, 02:56:41 PM
Congrats to the Lady Bombers and also to Dan Raymond and Alex Ivanscheck!!  Good luck with the NCAA's!!   It was fun watching your team this year.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 26, 2007, 03:18:47 PM
The bracket is out and the Bombers have drawn Pennsyvlania Athletic Conference champions Gwynedd-Mercy (25-2) in the 1st round in the Big Apple at NYU's sub-regional.  The winner will play either 23-2, #6 ranked NYU or Ursinus in round 2....needless to say expect NYU.  GO BOMBERS!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on February 26, 2007, 05:16:00 PM
Hey everyone a BIG Gwynedd-Mercy fan here. Goodluck to you guys should be a great game. Who ever wins our game is most likley going to be playing NYU, GMC played Ursinus the team that NYU is playing and Gwynedd beat Ursinus by 21 but Ursinus is playing very good now. My question is.. Is NYU that good?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 26, 2007, 05:24:17 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 26, 2007, 05:16:00 PM
Hey everyone a BIG Gwynedd-Mercy fan here. Goodluck to you guys should be a great game. Who ever wins our game is most likley going to be playing NYU, GMC played Ursinus the team that NYU is playing and Gwynedd beat Ursinus by 21 but Ursinus is playing very good now. My question is.. Is NYU that good?

If you can go 23-2 while playing in the UAA....yes, you're that good.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: ichouse on February 26, 2007, 06:00:22 PM
 
Quote from: Caz Bombers on February 26, 2007, 05:24:17 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 26, 2007, 05:16:00 PM
Is NYU that good?

TC, yes NYU is very good. i'm a Mt St Mary fan, we played both NYU and Scranton this year and thought NYU was the better team.  MSMC played NYU even the first half, down by one. But ended up losing by 13.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on February 26, 2007, 07:24:43 PM
Thanks caz and icehouse, we have to worry about getting past Ithica before we worry about the next game. Looking foward to coming to New York. Any hotels you can recomend near NYU? And will I have to take a loan out to stay there?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: ichouse on February 26, 2007, 07:53:38 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 26, 2007, 07:24:43 PMAnd will I have to take a loan out to stay there?

LOL, yeah probably cost me $25 to park for the game.  don't have any info on hotels for you, sorry. But Good Luck sounds like Gwynedd-Mercy is like Mt. St. Mary and struggles to get national respect.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 26, 2007, 08:59:39 PM
Good luck IC at the NCAA vs. Gwynedd-Mercy we know you will represent well. Also good luck to Elmira in the ECAC . They go in with the #1 seed vs. RPI in the first round. Just go out and win the thing EC.!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 27, 2007, 12:59:28 AM
I just posted this in the PAC room (Gwynedd-Mercy), but figure I'd post it here, as well. Do notice the quote from TC that we Ithaca fans should "enjoy our last game."

Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 26, 2007, 04:41:05 PM
Lefty I figured I wouldn't make him wait a year for his answer. It should be a great game, GMC has won 18 straight and can't wait to prove to everyone that they deserve to be ranked in the TOP 25, it's a JOKE that they aren't. But goodluck to you guys, I hope you enjoy your last game. The winner of our game gets NYU, are they that good???

Bombers are playing great ball right now, beating a very good, top-seeded Elmira team in Elmira's home gym for the E8 title. They are far better than their 16-11 record may suggest. The Bombers were 3-8 at one point and have closed the season with a 13-3 stretch. Also, unlike GMC, Ithaca played extremely tough competition outside of its conference. Included in their 11 losses were losses by 5 points to Cortland (25-2 record in a better conference than GMC's), a 4-point loss to tourney-bound St. Lawrence, and a loss to nationally-ranked Rochester by 11, in a game in which Ithaca had a 7-point lead late in the first half. In addition, one of those losses was to D1 Cornell. Further, in those four aforementioned games, Erika Steele played, 12, 18, 11, 21 minutes, respectively. Let's just say that shortly thereafter Ithaca realized what they had in Steele. To that end, she's been the conference's top player over the last month and is putting up numbers that are absolutely obscene, of late (averaged 20.5 ppg and 18.5 rpg in the E8 Tourney). It's no wonder that IC's late winning streak coincided with Steele seeing more time on the floor.

Also, when I look at the two teams' schedules, there is just one common opponent: Nazareth. GMC beat Naz at home, 70-60. Ithaca beat Naz twice, 80-66 in Ithaca and 75-66 on Naz's home floor. Furthermore, GMC's loss against Geneseo is rather unimpressive. Geneseo came in fifth place in the SUNYAC and finished at a mediocre 14-12. Forgive me for not being horribly intimidated by a ten-point win against our conference's SEVENTH best team (3-11 conference record) or a four-point loss to a very average Geneseo squad.

I truly think this game is going to very tight. It would NOT be an upset if Ithaca wins this game.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 08:31:13 AM
gobombers15 : Your right on ALMOST everything you said. But we beat Nazareth by 10 in Florida not at home and we were up by 20 the whole game. And 2nd we lost the next day in Florida to Geneseo on a shot with a few sec left in the game, your right BAD loss to a team we should have killed. It would be an UPSET if a 25-2 team losses to a 16-11 team even though they did play a better schedule, not 9 more losses better. It will be a good game though but I am planing on staying in NY over night to watch GMC UPSET NYU on Saturday night. Again enjoy your last game!!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 27, 2007, 11:40:19 AM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 08:31:13 AM
gobombers15 : Your right on ALMOST everything you said. But we beat Nazareth by 10 in Florida not at home and we were up by 20 the whole game. And 2nd we lost the next day in Florida to Geneseo on a shot with a few sec left in the game, your right BAD loss to a team we should have killed. It would be an UPSET if a 25-2 team losses to a 16-11 team even though they did play a better schedule, not 9 more losses better. It will be a good game though but I am planing on staying in NY over night to watch GMC UPSET NYU on Saturday night. Again enjoy your last game!!!

You would have AT LEAST 8-10 losses if you played Ithaca's schedule. Minimum.

What's that say about your team when you go 25-2, undefeated in your conference and are still only garnering ONE vote in the poll. Also, if GMC does get by Ithaca, the committee is feeding you to NYU in your second round game. GMC better be able to defend all over the floor if they're going to beat IC and the GMC bigs better pack a lunch if they're gonna stop Steele.

EDIT: GMC is now receiving THREE votes for their 25-2 record.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 27, 2007, 12:09:38 PM
There were four games between PAC teams and Upstate NY teams:

GMC vs Naz (GMC wins, 70-60)
GMC vs Geneseo (Geneseo wins, 68-64)
Alvernia vs Oswego (Oswego wins, 73-56)
Neumann vs Naz (Naz wins, 75-62)

Keep in mind, Alvernia had a 12-4 conference record and Neumann had an 11-5 conference record. I'm sorry, but it's obvious that your squad plays in a weak conference.

Disclaimer: Ithaca also lost by 17 at Oswego, but that was in the first few games of the season. If you want to go in and pretend like you're playing the same Ithaca team from the first month of the season, by all means, PLEASE DO. But you aren't. Just a fact.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 27, 2007, 12:18:20 PM
All-Conference selectons are out.

POY: Ava Thomas (Utica)
ROY: Whitney Smith (Naz)...yeah, Webster (this guy's hometown)
Coach of the Year: Deb Buff (RIT)

FIRST TEAM

Erika Steele (Ithaca)
Margot Sandy (RIT)
Mary Tichy (Hartwick)
Ava Thomas (Utica)
Lindsay Wilson (Hartwick)

SECOND TEAM

Marcia Coakley (Elmira)
Mallory Davis (Utica)
Ramata Diallo (RIT)
Erin Sanvidge (Ithaca)
Kourtney Troutman (Elmira)

HONORABLE MENTION

Sue Kelly (Ithaca)
Melanie Jackson (Alfred)
Whitney Smith (Naz)
Bridget Catanese (Elmira)
Allison Boehm (Fisher)

I have to say I agree with most of this. I think Sue Kelly warrants a little more consideration for Second Team, but I can live.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 12:53:03 PM
gobombers15 : But you forgot to put in there that we beat Neumann and Alvernia both by 29 points. I am TIRED of hearing about GMC weak schedule. Lets let their play this weekend do the talking. Do I think its going to be an EASY win against Ithica? No. But I DO know they are going to win. Just keep thinking are schedule is weak and we stink. We like it that way. The beer goes down easy after the game when we sit around saying WOW we STINK how are we 25-2, make that 26-2 after friday night.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on February 27, 2007, 01:56:10 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 12:53:03 PM
gobombers15 : But you forgot to put in there that we beat Neumann and Alvernia both by 29 points. I am TIRED of hearing about GMC weak schedule. Lets let their play this weekend do the talking. Do I think its going to be an EASY win against Ithica? No. But I DO know they are going to win. Just keep thinking are schedule is weak and we stink. We like it that way. The beer goes down easy after the game when we sit around saying WOW we STINK how are we 25-2, make that 26-2 after friday night.

This poster is too offended not to be close to the program.  It is not a slam dunk like the moron Assistant SID, Players, and Asst Football Coach that posted on the football boards this season but I think there is an outside chance that TCHoops could be connected to the Gwynned-Mercy program. I have a guess as to who he is too.  Since I am not sure, I won't say but if you are who I suspect you are, I would call Ryan Fullen at Cortland for a cautionary tale.

What makes you think you are so much better than IthAca?  I haven't even seen IC play this year but I know Dan Raymond is a hell of a coach.  His club will be ready. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 27, 2007, 02:56:25 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 12:53:03 PM
gobombers15 : But you forgot to put in there that we beat Neumann and Alvernia both by 29 points. I am TIRED of hearing about GMC weak schedule. Lets let their play this weekend do the talking. Do I think its going to be an EASY win against Ithica? No. But I DO know they are going to win. Just keep thinking are schedule is weak and we stink. We like it that way. The beer goes down easy after the game when we sit around saying WOW we STINK how are we 25-2, make that 26-2 after friday night.

Great, and Neumann lost by 13 to Naz. That's like the equivalent of a 30-point loss to the top four or five teams in the E8.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on February 27, 2007, 02:59:03 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 12:53:03 PM
I am TIRED of hearing about GMC weak schedule.

Schedule tougher teams then...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 27, 2007, 03:06:18 PM
Quote from: Chairman JoseQViper on February 27, 2007, 02:59:03 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 12:53:03 PM
I am TIRED of hearing about GMC weak schedule.

Schedule tougher teams then...

For instance, say, Cortland, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Rochester, and Cornell. And make four of those five games be road games.

Jose, you have a message.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 03:23:58 PM
JoseQviper : The way I am connected to GMC is my daughter plays on the team so I dought you know me. And I never said I thought we were way better then Ithica, I said it will be a tough game but I believe we will win. We will just have to wait till Friday night to find out.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 27, 2007, 03:55:33 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 03:23:58 PM
JoseQviper : The way I am connected to GMC is my daughter plays on the team so I dought you know me. And I never said I thought we were way better then Ithica, I said it will be a tough game but I believe we will win. We will just have to wait till Friday night to find out.

IthAca. IthAca. IthAca.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on February 27, 2007, 04:03:37 PM
Quote from: gobombers15 on February 27, 2007, 03:55:33 PM
IthAca. IthAca. IthAca.

Not to mention:

Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 12:53:03 PM
gobombers15 : But you forgot to put in there that we beat Neumann and Alvernia both by 29 points. I am TIRED of hearing about GMC weak schedule. Lets let their play this weekend do the talking. Do I think its going to be an EASY win against Ithica? No. But I DO know they are going to win. Just keep thinking are schedule is weak and we stink. We like it that way. The beer goes down easy after the game when we sit around saying WOW we STINK how are we 25-2, make that 26-2 after friday night.

and

Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 03:23:58 PM
JoseQviper : The way I am connected to GMC is my daughter plays on the team so I dought you know me. And I never said I thought we were way better then Ithica, I said it will be a tough game but I believe we will win. We will just have to wait till Friday night to find out.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 04:16:35 PM
JoseCLOWN : What are you a spelling Teacher? Because your CLUELESS when it comes to basketball. Stick to teaching. CLOWN, did I spell that right?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on February 27, 2007, 04:22:25 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 04:16:35 PM
JoseCLOWN : What are you a spelling Teacher? Because your CLUELESS when it comes to basketball. Stick to teaching. CLOWN, did I spell that right?

Top 10 post of all time!

A gift for you TC Hoops: (https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.wiley.com%2Fproduct_data%2FcoverImage80%2F40%2F07645762%2F0764576240.jpg&hash=0873aa60ecac44d9584bc0c1cc527d731dc7be93)

At the very least, it occurs to the Chairman that he has seen TC Hoops at a wedding before harassing the nice man making balloon animals: (https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vh1.com%2Fsitewide%2Fpromoimages%2Fmovies%2Fw%2Fwedding_crashers%2Fthumbnails%2Fclip_animals%2F184x66.jpg&hash=a9f0ab96308b006908ca6ec4a2d94909912e69b8)

I SAID I WANTED A BICYCLE CLOWN
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 06:44:07 PM
JoseCLOWN : Thanks for the present. A teacher during the day and a comedian at night. Stick with your day job.

Just curious, do you have GMC losing to ITHACA ?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on February 27, 2007, 07:13:48 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 06:44:07 PM
JoseCLOWN : Thanks for the present. A teacher during the day and a comedian at night. Stick with your day job.

Just curious, do you have GMC losing to ITHACA ?

Where were ya for the last two hours, TC? Running a practice?

I don't know why you think Ithaca beating GMC is so far-fetched. Nobody is saying GMC is a bad team. However, Ithaca has played very good competition and played that very good competition to tight games pretty regularly. When you add the fact that Ithaca has improved all year, you really can't compare the way they're playing now to the team that lost those close games back in December.

This has all the makings for what some (not me) would call an upset. For one, Erika Steele has turned into a monster down low. Secondly, Ithaca shoots the 3 very well. Finally, they have a lot of experience in the backcourt with seniors Erin Sanvidge and Sue Kelly (who will score her 1,000th career point early in the game on Friday night). All the makings...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 27, 2007, 07:23:08 PM
Teams that have spent the last 2 months smashing through weak conferences like GMC tend to get a little overwhelmed in March when they run into tougher competition.  Whether GMC is "better" than Ithaca may not be the question.  The fact is that Ithaca is considerably better than the rest of the PennAC, and GMC is going to have a much tougher time revving itself up to the appropriate gear than IC.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on February 27, 2007, 10:09:03 PM
I NEVER said GMC will have an easy time against Ithaca, I know it will be a great game. Its not like GMC can't score, we have two 1,000 point scorers a Junior that has over 700 points and a Soph that has over 600 points. I know Ithaca can play, bad teams don't win their league. Hey I just think GMC is going to win and you guys think Ithaca is going to win, we will all find out on Friday night. Can't wait. After we win I'll buy you guy's a drink after the game. And yes I was coaching my son's 2nd grade hoop team and yes I think they could beat Ithaca. That's a JOKE!!!!! But I know they could beat NYU.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on March 01, 2007, 07:48:08 AM
Elmira year end thoughts......A "mail in" against RPI. The team that showed up(or didnt) was not the team we watched all season. Perhaps the extaordinary effort to come back into the game vs Ithaca was all that was left in the tank.They were just never into the game vs RPI...the speed to the ball in their press was essential for them to suceed and was not there....missed layups,shots FAR off from 3range, all indicate that they were spent in the legs. And facial expressions indicated their lingering dissapointment over the Ithaca loss. On to next season ...
A press style defense of Elmira quality will get ya lots of wins, but at some point you will face a team it does not faze...at that point you need a half court offense, something EC needs to address during the off season.When EC was not scoring off the steal they were not scoring. No patience ..and sometimes you need that.Its exciting and effective to have that high gear,but when you reach that playoff hill you better be able to down shift to get over the top.....out from sotier
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: John McGraw on March 01, 2007, 12:02:10 PM
I'll jump in here before things get nastier over the next few days.

I saw Gwynedd-Mercy play in the NCAA tournament a few years ago in the second round at Scranton. I believe at the time, it was GMC's best team ever and they had a really good player in Kathy Snell. This is the year that Scranton went to the Elite 8 before losing at Bowdoin.

GMC gave them a run for their money and had Scranton on the ropes until the Lady Royals eventually pulled it out.

That being said, this is obviously a different GMC team than it was that season. But, I don't think they should be underestimated just because they play in the PAC. The last time an Ithaca team, men or women, played someone from the PAC in the NCAA tournament, the Ithaca men (who were hosed on Selection Sunday), went to Alvernia and lost in the first round.

The Empire 8 overall is the better conference, but GMC will be a scrappy team. Losing to Geneseo isn't such a bad thing. Geneseo is one of those jeckyll and hyde teams. They play great one minute then stink the next. They did a little more stinking this year than they did last year. Plus that game was back in the early part of the season, I'm sure GMC has improved since then.

Ithaca's had a good recent history in the tournament on the women's side after some inauspicious beginnings when me and GB15 were in school - second round exits to TCNJ on the road, and Ohio Wesleyan at home.

Regardless of what happens, I wouldn't mind seeing an IC-NYU game. Though, I'd like to put some of the early 2000s teams of IC against the national championship contending teams of NYU. Not that this year's IC squad isn't good, it'd just be fun to see the best of the best. These are the things I think about that keep me from working on game preparation.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on March 01, 2007, 12:10:46 PM
John--

Although the 2003 Bombers reached the Sweet 16, I think their best overall team was the 2004 squad that wound up suffering a massive home upset loss in the 1st round, to Cortland of all teams.  I seem to recall the Ithacan running some awful backpage photo of an IC player in tears after the final buzzer with a NY Post-style headline like "Bombers Choke".  That was right up there with the gigantic photo of a distraught Steve Bell of the IC soccer team after he missed the game-deciding PK against Alfred in the 2003 E8 semis.  (Only GB15 and possibly maybe MaxPower understood that last sentence.)

I really think those 2004 Bombers would have beaten UR in round 2 and then made the Final Four.  No way to know for sure, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on March 01, 2007, 01:14:29 PM
Quote from: Caz Bombers on March 01, 2007, 12:10:46 PM
(Only GB15 and possibly maybe MaxPower understood that last sentence.)

ahem.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: John McGraw on March 01, 2007, 01:48:18 PM
My memory is kind of fuzzy, let me see what I can remember.

I'm kind of partial to the 2001-2002 team with Kerri Brown, Jenny Swatling and a freshman Stephanie Cleary, plus Alex Ivansheck. That same group was back the next year and Brownie, as a senior, was the Empire 8 Player of the Year. The 2002-03 team may have been a year older and wiser with all those four players. I have no idea who graduated the same year as I did. Off the top of my head, I can guess Kelly Brady, Sarah Duerr, and Donna Fisher.

The 2004 team was Swatling and Cleary's team as upperclassmen.

It depends on whether you'd want an older Swatling and Clearly with a younger supporting cast; or Swatling and Cleary as the younger players, displaying flashes of later brilliance and Brown leading the show.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on March 01, 2007, 01:59:08 PM
Quote from: John McGraw on March 01, 2007, 01:48:18 PM
My memory is kind of fuzzy, let me see what I can remember.

I'm kind of partial to the 2001-2002 team with Kerri Brown, Jenny Swatling and a freshman Stephanie Cleary, plus Alex Ivansheck. That same group was back the next year and Brownie, as a senior, was the Empire 8 Player of the Year. The 2002-03 team may have been a year older and wiser with all those four players. I have no idea who graduated the same year as I did. Off the top of my head, I can guess Kelly Brady, Sarah Duerr, and Donna Fisher.

The 2004 team was Swatling and Cleary's team as upperclassmen.

It depends on whether you'd want an older Swatling and Clearly with a younger supporting cast; or Swatling and Cleary as the younger players, displaying flashes of later brilliance and Brown leading the show.

For my money, Kerri Brown was the best of all three of them.  She was way more efficient that Cleary from the field and much more assertive than Swatling.  I think Swatling was probably the most talented though.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on March 01, 2007, 03:16:21 PM
I stand corrected, Mr. Chairman, didn't think you were paying attention to a soccer event after you graduated, considering you never liked soccer anyway.  Agree with sentiments regarding Brown, Cleary and Swatling.  This Erika Steele kid seems like IC's best big since at least Kelly Gawronski.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on March 01, 2007, 03:22:18 PM
A few things:

1) Re: IC's best team: I spent a good ten minutes sitting here in the library thinking about which was the best (wow, anything not to write my journal comment...only Jose will understand that one). It's a very tough call, especially since I didn't see much of the 2002-03 Sweet 16 team because both Caz and I were in Los Angeles for the second semester. I actually had this conversation with Jennie a few months after we both graduated and she said the best team she was on was the 2001-02 team that lost to Ohio Wesleyan at home in the 2nd round. Now, as you've seen me write on here before, Jennie is not an alpha dog on the court, so it doesn't surprise me that she thinks the team that had many scoring options (Kerri Brown, Jennie, Steph as a freshman, etc.) was the best team. I told her I disagreed with her and that I thought the '03-'04 team was better and she said she could see that, too. Her main reason for thinking the '03-'04 team wasn't as good was because they didn't have as many offensive threats, even though she and Steph were both huge offensive threats. After Gawronski, they didn't really have a player they could go to and get consistent points. Sanvidge and Kelly were kind of one-trick ponies at that point (outside shooting), Micho was more of a defensive player, Brennan and Poole were role players and Alex Ivansheck got hurt and her replacement, Lauren Kusy, was generally overwhelmed, a lot. Not sure what my point is, just giving you what I think Jennie's take would be because she was on those teams. If someone put a gun to my head, I'd probably take the '03-'04 team, only because Swatling and Cleary seemed to be so far beyond their competition that season. However, I'm sure some would argue that the '04-'05 team was the best; they went toe-to-toe with Southern Maine up at their place and if the team had performed a little bit better at the FT line in the second half, IC probably would have pulled the upset. Can't discount them, either.

2) The Ithacan has run some pretty rough back pages. I'd say the one with the IC women's basketball player crying after the loss to Cortland, of all teams, was the harshest. Though Bell crying after missing the PK to lose in the E8 tourney in a game that probably cost IC a bid to the NCAA's wasn't very nice, either. Oh well. On the bright side, I'm entering a team from my grandmother's nursing home to play IC in the E8 Tourney next year; I figured that'd be a sure win for my granny's team.

3) Brown, Swatling and Cleary were all great players. Not sure which I'd take if I had to. They all were very different players and that's what made them great. Jennie had the sweet shot and you could count on her game-in and game-out. Stephanie had the mean streak, that snarl that you love to see in great players. She had the attitude that she was better than you and she knew it and there wasn't a whole lot you could do to stop her; also, fantastic on the defensive end, one of the best at guarding the passing lanes that I've ever seen, male or female.  Kerri was just a great scorer. Not the greatest shooter you ever saw, but you'd look at the box score and be like "wow, Kerri had 19 tonight, how'd that happen?" That's the sign of a scorer.

4) GMC will be a tough challenge. If you go back and look, I've never said otherwise. But I think Ithaca is prepared for them as a result of their tough early-season schedule. I really liked what I saw out of IC in the E8 Tourney. Steele was a beast (I mean that in the most feminine way possible), Kelly and Sanvidge really took the game over in OT against Elmira (which you love to see from your seniors) and Bixby isn't playing like she's young anymore. If IC can get something from its bench (Friel, et al), I think they have a good chance to pull the minor upset. TC, does GMC press or do they stick to the half-court defense?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on March 01, 2007, 03:57:04 PM
Quote from: Caz Bombers on March 01, 2007, 03:16:21 PM
I stand corrected, Mr. Chairman, didn't think you were paying attention to a soccer event after you graduated, considering you never liked soccer anyway.  Agree with sentiments regarding Brown, Cleary and Swatling.  This Erika Steele kid seems like IC's best big since at least Kelly Gawronski.

caring about soccer and hearing about the missed PK are different things.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on March 04, 2007, 12:02:40 AM
Jose : Hey why didn't you run your mouth after Gwynedd beat Ithaca? Now turn that picture around and have their coach pointing at ours.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on March 04, 2007, 01:10:39 PM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on March 04, 2007, 12:02:40 AM
Jose : Hey why didn't you run your mouth after Gwynedd beat Ithaca? Now turn that picture around and have their coach pointing at ours.

Has your coach taken a team to the NCAA in every year of this decade except one? You need to grow up and have some class. This Ithaca fan congratulated you on your win (even though we gave the game away) and yet you CONTINUE to talk trash about the game. You're out of the tourney, too. Be gone, nobody wants to hear from you anymore. Why don't you go and make some homophobic comments again and get kicked out of NYU's gym like you did on Saturday night. I hope Pat takes away your posting rights soon.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on March 05, 2007, 10:02:35 AM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on March 04, 2007, 12:02:40 AM
Jose : Hey why didn't you run your mouth after Gwynedd beat Ithaca? Now turn that picture around and have their coach pointing at ours.

Sorry dude, had a busy weekend.  Do you feel better about your no-name conference now that you beat a real team in a down year?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on March 06, 2007, 11:13:32 AM
gobombers15 : Yes Pat did block me from posting for a few day's but I am baccccccccck. Let's get something straight. No Gwynedd-Mercy fans made any homophobic remarks like you said we did, you wern't even there. What happened is we called the refs "HOMERS" so who ever THOUGHT we said the other word is wrong. It's easy for everyone to jump on board and act like it was me and other fans carring on but the TRUTH is that we were cheering and yes yelling at the refs, no cursing like reported. Then a fan on NYU came into our section and told us to keep it down or he will have us thrown out. (UNREAL) And I told him to get away from us. THAT'S it. And after the game we were waiting for our kids to come out when a diffrent NYU fan came up to us and said why don't you guy's leave, you took your beating and next year try to come back with a better team.With that yes I flipped, that's the last thing you want to hear after your daughter just played her last college game. That's the REAL TRUTH what happened!!!!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on March 06, 2007, 11:33:59 AM
JoseQviper : NO I don't feel any better about our "no-name conference" like you called it. I NEVER said our conference was great. I said GMC had a VERY good team. It's funny you play in a bad conference and EVERYONE thinks you must stink too. Yes GMC didn't play great against a tough Ithaca team but got it together at the end. And played a GREAT NYU team down to the wire. I know fouls are part of the game but GMC played 12 min. in the first half without their point guard and best player because of 2 fouls, she was able to play the entire 2nd half and they out scored NYU with her on the court. And had to play almost the entire game without their 2nd best player the center played a WHOLE 12 minutes and had 5 fouls. Maybe that's why we were yelling "HOMERS". That being said NYU is the better team but GMC can play, CRAPY conference and all.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on March 06, 2007, 11:48:17 AM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on March 06, 2007, 11:33:59 AM
JoseQviper : NO I don't feel any better about our "no-name conference" like you called it. I NEVER said our conference was great. I said GMC had a VERY good team. It's funny you play in a bad conference and EVERYONE thinks you must stink too. Yes GMC didn't play great against a tough Ithaca team but got it together at the end. And played a GREAT NYU team down to the wire. I know fouls are part of the game but GMC played 12 min. in the first half without their point guard and best player because of 2 fouls, she was able to play the entire 2nd half and they out scored NYU with her on the court. And had to play almost the entire game without their 2nd best player the center played a WHOLE 12 minutes and had 5 fouls. Maybe that's why we were yelling "HOMERS". That being said NYU is the better team but GMC can play, CRAPY conference and all.

The Chairman's list of hysterical posters:

1. The "We always get screwed out of hosting" guy.

2. The "Recent History has no Relevance Unless it goes in my team's favor" guy. and,

3. The "I am not making Excuses, Except for these excuses" guy.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: BobNapoleone on March 06, 2007, 07:28:31 PM
Quote from: Chairman JoseQViper on March 06, 2007, 11:48:17 AM
Quote from: TC HOOPS on March 06, 2007, 11:33:59 AM
JoseQviper : NO I don't feel any better about our "no-name conference" like you called it. I NEVER said our conference was great. I said GMC had a VERY good team. It's funny you play in a bad conference and EVERYONE thinks you must stink too. Yes GMC didn't play great against a tough Ithaca team but got it together at the end. And played a GREAT NYU team down to the wire. I know fouls are part of the game but GMC played 12 min. in the first half without their point guard and best player because of 2 fouls, she was able to play the entire 2nd half and they out scored NYU with her on the court. And had to play almost the entire game without their 2nd best player the center played a WHOLE 12 minutes and had 5 fouls. Maybe that's why we were yelling "HOMERS". That being said NYU is the better team but GMC can play, CRAPY conference and all.

The Chairman's list of hysterical posters:

1. The "We always get screwed out of hosting" guy.

2. The "Recent History has no Relevance Unless it goes in my team's favor" guy. and,

3. The "I am not making Excuses, Except for these excuses" guy.



Given all the "trash talking"...and assessment over what team was best in the recent past...my hat is off to this year's squad!

I remember them being a real unknown early on...playing Rochester close...then the "pre-season, pre-conference schedule".....ouch for a couple of games.

BUT, an interesting thing happened on the way to another Championship...the ladies really jelled. Underclassmen stepped up and two of my three favorite seniors at IC held things together...lead the ladies back....and reeled off a pretty impressive win streak.....

Congrats to the captain who nailed 1000 points (Sue K)....and who's motor has ONE speed..great season!

Then the "other" captain (Erin S)....who dishes out assists "like Vito does pasta at my favorite Italian bistro" here at home (Set a new IC NCAA playoff single game record w/8).....and still managed to nail enough threes to set a new Ithaca Bombers single season record. 

I know the future is in pretty capable hands at IC...just wanted to thank these two ladies for some awesome leadership....oh yeah..and another Championship!


    15 National Championships and counting..       
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on March 07, 2007, 07:51:52 AM
This is what makes you a legend Mr. N.

Quote from: BobNapoleone on March 06, 2007, 07:28:31 PM
    15 National Championships and counting..       

P.S.: Don't want to rile up ol' TC Hoops anymore, I was reading on another board that he got into a fight in the parking lot at NYU after getting beat.  Hysterical.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TC HOOPS on March 07, 2007, 11:43:14 AM
PS Jose - NEVER got into a fight in the parking lot, a discussion yes. It wasn't easy talking to him because he was hiding under a car. Yes I raised my voice because he made negative comments about our team, but that's it. It's OVER... And you know what I even wish his team luck.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: heatlee on June 20, 2007, 07:41:44 PM
How does Elmira look? Can they build on last years success?

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on July 14, 2007, 05:17:01 PM
Will Elmira be able to improve on last year? All signs say yes. They return four of their starters.Coakley,Troutman,Catanese,Symonds. They have a group second year players who were able to get substantial time in last year. they should be solid.
Lost D.Troutman to graduation,she was a quick defender and a valued member of a pressing scheme. Kent should be able to fill this spot. Though she is not as quick on the defensive end, she showed offensive instinct an may help shore up the  half court game.Saw her play in the Hornell Macker last year and she flat out can score, hopefully we see that this year.
Bottom line--Can you say NCAA?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: superman57 on July 15, 2007, 07:46:46 PM
you also have to always look at fisher...they are a solid team awith a whole bunch of young players...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on July 16, 2007, 08:28:47 PM
Fisher had a rebuilding year this past season so I don't know if they're at the top of the list of title contenders.  On the other hand, Ithaca bounced back from its worst season in a long time in 2006 to win yet another E8 championship in 2007 so there's precedent.  If Elmira really has 4 returning starters from the regular season champs, that's gonna be tough to beat.  IC returns a nice nucleus and as Superman57 notes, Fisher is always a tough out.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on July 17, 2007, 07:14:33 PM
Sounds like a fun and competative year in the E8. Stevens joins in this year , anyone with info on the "Ducks"??
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on August 02, 2007, 01:42:03 PM
A little research done on the new member of the E8,Stevens Ducks. Well it looks as though the E8 has added a VERY GOOD team to the mix.Last year the Ducks finished at 21-7.Placed second in the Skyline conference.One of the loses was only by 8 to NYU. Here is the kicker, Stevens did not have a senior starter. They started 2 freshmen,2juniors,and a soph. Should be a very tough opponent in the E8,perhaps even a preseason favorite. Anyone with first hand knowledge of the Ducks, please fill us E8 folks in on your team.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: patroonbball on August 16, 2007, 09:56:13 PM
It looks like a rough year for 'wick. Coming off a 9-14 and losing 95% of their scoring, there better be some super frosh coming. I could see a 4-21 season.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigchief on August 23, 2007, 08:05:21 PM
Wick is supposed to have a good recruiting class. Coach Powell, interim head coach, was the one who brought them in. She'd also recruited the four seniors from last year's team.
A better question is how did Thompson get the SUCO job? Especially after last year's poor record. The four seniors from last year's team came into the year with much promise. Some of her tactics left many shaking their heads. Better luck to you folks at SUCO.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: patroonbball on August 30, 2007, 09:22:34 PM
It does make you wonder what SUCO saw to hire her.This past season was suppose to be THE season for Hartwick. 9-14 probably meant she saw the handwriting on the wall at 'wick. Plus, her recruiting left lots to be desired. Plenty of kids promised things that were never backed up.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on September 10, 2007, 04:45:40 PM
Question? Is there a set limit to how many players a team can have on their roster?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on October 02, 2007, 09:32:13 AM
Is it HOOPS yet?? I love the summer time, I really do. A little golf,watch some baseball (actually a lot of baseball),some boating,some fishing, ect. But at heart I'm a gym rat. The next month always seems to drag on and on in anticipation of the comming hoops season. The hoops info here at D3 helps enormously in this torturous time. My GOD is it November yet!!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 15, 2007, 09:21:57 PM
Quote from: sotier on September 10, 2007, 04:45:40 PM
Question? Is there a set limit to how many players a team can have on their roster?

Not by NCAA rule. Some conferences place restrictions on how many can be on the roster and even more restrict how many can dress for games, but the NCAA doesn't have any roster rules.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on October 16, 2007, 08:38:22 AM
Thank you Pat for the info. Have always wondered about roster limits, and now I know how it works. I am surprised that the NCAA does not have a number as to the roster. Seems that they have specifics on most everything else. So I guess it is greatly up to the particular coach, and how many players they can comfortably manage. My own personal obsevation, most rosters are to large. Unless you are a coach who can keep your "bench warmers" motivated,you only invite discontent by having too many of them. Lets hear what others out there think.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: WWWRHH on October 16, 2007, 09:07:47 AM
However, the NCAA places a limit of 15 players active per game during the post season tournament.  Hope had a roster of 16 in their championship 2005-2006 season, but had to leave a player off the roster each game.  The roster can change game to game in this situation.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on October 16, 2007, 01:44:22 PM
Thank you, WWWRHH, good info. thanks for the response.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on November 07, 2007, 10:30:51 AM
Checking the rosters of the E8. Question....Where is Whitney Smith?? the E8 rookie of the year, and outstanding Nazareth player last year. Injury? Transfer? Would appreciate any info.It's almost post time, so pick your horse and place your bets......YEAAAAAAA
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 07, 2007, 02:45:25 PM
Quote from: sotier on November 07, 2007, 10:30:51 AM
Checking the rosters of the E8. Question....Where is Whitney Smith?? the E8 rookie of the year, and outstanding Nazareth player last year. Injury? Transfer? Would appreciate any info.It's almost post time, so pick your horse and place your bets......YEAAAAAAA

Transferred to Brockport.

IC, Elmira, Stevens and Fisher are the contenders, Utica and maybe RIT around, Naz and Hartwick probably second-division and I will believe Alfred is awful as usual until proven otherwise.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on November 08, 2007, 06:46:30 PM
Thanks for the info ,Caz. I also am going to agree with you on your league assessment. Ithaca,Elmira, Stevens in top group.I know they are new to the E8, but Stevens put up an impressive year last year, and return nearly all, perhaps they are the ones to beat. They get some home games (4) against the Conference to start and that will surely help them to a good start. I got Fisher,Utica, RIT in the second tier. I know some have Fisher as a contender,but I just dont see it. Saw them a number of times last year and they were unimpressive,just no "pop" to their game. Acted as if they were playing on rep.Naz, Hartwick, and Alfred in the lower group. Hartwick could surprise us, perhaps a new coach can inject some added excitement. Alfred players gave effort when I saw them, but they simply lack the talent to hang with the better teams for a full game.Bring it on!!!!
Title: Utica's got whole new team.
Post by: lom on November 12, 2007, 09:24:29 PM
I was at Utica last week for their scrimmage against SUNY New Paltz, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.  Utica had 15 or 16 girls in the gym, up from about 8 or 9 from last year.  They had two new comers that looked very good, a quick athletic guard and a solid post player.  Utica lost the scrimmage by about 10 but things look promising for the Pioneers. 
I must say that New Paltz looked good at times as well.  The game was very fast paced and high scoring, New Paltz won something like 85-74.  I don't think their 4th place finish in the SUNYAC a year ago was a fluke.
I think that both teams will have some good things going for them this year.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on November 12, 2007, 11:16:56 PM
thanks for the report, lom. Thats the kind of first hand reporting that has meaningful info.Speculation is one thing,but an "eyes on" in the gym is the best.Keep us filled in as the season progresses.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 13, 2007, 02:14:48 PM
From the Ithaca website and a quick Google search, it seems IC has a Division I transfer for the first time since I started following them.  Lindsay Brown, a soph who came off the bench for Manhattan College...started 1 game, averaged the usual 1.5 ppg or something lke that.  Maybe this is more her level in the E8 though.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gobombers15 on November 15, 2007, 11:55:17 PM
Also, I have to think that Erika Steele of IC has to be the favorite to win E8 POY. Say what you will about Lindsay Wilson of Hartwick and Ava Thomas of Utica, and both are great players, but Steele put up some silly box scores during the conference season and post-season last year.

Steele was named 1st team all-region. Here's the link to see the teams:

http://www.d3hoops.com/all-region/07/eastwom.htm

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 16, 2007, 10:15:13 AM
Quote from: gobombers15 on November 15, 2007, 11:55:17 PM
Also, I have to think that Erika Steele of IC has to be the favorite to win E8 POY. Say what you will about Lindsay Wilson of Hartwick and Ava Thomas of Utica, and both are great players, but Steele put up some silly box scores during the conference season and post-season last year.

Steele was named 1st team all-region. Here's the link to see the teams:

http://www.d3hoops.com/all-region/07/eastwom.htm

I'll say that they both graduated so Steele could very well be the Preseason Player of the Year (do they do that in the E8? I don't think the men did a preseason team).

I just looked up Stevens for the first time, seems like every sport they've come into the E8 loaded and wbb is no exception.  All 5 starters back from last year's 21-7, 13-3 Skyline team.  Senior forward Dora Enright averaged 15 and 10.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on November 19, 2007, 08:33:15 AM
Check out the Bombers rocking the all golds at home this year:

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcmsimg.theithacajournal.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcsi.dll%2Fbilde%3FNewTbl%3D1%26amp%3BAvis%3DAF%26amp%3BDato%3D20071117%26amp%3BKategori%3DSPORTS%26amp%3BLopenr%3D711170803%26amp%3BRef%3DPH%26amp%3BItem%3D6%26amp%3BMaxW%3D500%26amp%3BMaxH%3D500&hash=c8206d6de3baae6b608e09c9fc07fd1738ada2b8)

DR keeps his unprecedented streak of having the coolest new unis every season.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 19, 2007, 12:08:21 PM
Meh.  Where's the blue?  They look like Georgia Tech in that photo.
Title: Radio Coverage of Bombers Basketball
Post by: WICB Sports on November 27, 2007, 01:03:53 PM
WICB's coverage (www.wicb.org) of Bombers women's basketball begins at 5:40 p.m. Friday with Bombers Shootaround before Lee Small and Pete Sachs have the call of the game against Utica from Ben Light Gymnasium at 6 p.m.

Coverage continues Saturday, with Bombers Shootaround at 1:40 p.m.  At 2 p.m., the Bombers battle Hartwick, with Mike Polak and Tom Wrede behind the mikes.

On Sunday, tune in to Sports Talk from 6-7 p.m. as Michael Polak, Pete Sachs and Derek Callahan recap the men's and women's basketball teams' games over the weekend with the key players live in studio.

On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the Bombers host arch rival #24 Cortland State.  Coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. with Bombers Shootaround on WICB, followed by tip-off at 6 p.m.  Dan Cassavaugh and Pete Sachs have the call.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on November 28, 2007, 11:16:14 AM
Elmira looking very offensively disorganized.The coach needs to get some degree of stability and ball controle.Defensively they were outrebounded nearly 2-1 against Rochester (not unexpected),they did however force 20+ turnovers.The problem is they turn it right back. Its tough to have a controlled offense with a frantic defensive style.If you choose that defense you better be aggresive to the hoop.Conference games start Friday,we will see if the scheme and personel come together or is it time to adjust.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 28, 2007, 06:26:07 PM
UR blew Ithaca out of the gym the other night too.  You'll have that when you play the Jackets any year.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 02, 2007, 11:21:21 AM
Confused,struggling,and most of all disappointing.Thats Elmira so far this season.They seem to have regressed the last few games.And for those who remember that full court nightmare press from last year,don't loose any sleep that dog has no bite.On a positive side the freshman  forward and centers look to be a good find for Coach D (gotta like Rupell-this will be a star in the E8 before she is done). The elmira coach put just about every combo of players on the court in this weekends games.He is searching,perhaps to hard,as no consistance is evident.As Ithaca showed us all last year against Elmira,athletes may win you games but skill and execution win you championships.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 03, 2007, 12:45:02 PM
Utica side of the EC- Utica matchup. They impressed me with their team ball.With a dominate player like Ava Thomas last year it becomes easy to rely on that player too much. This years squad seems much more balanced.They hit the open shots,Cristanti and Croll never seemed to miss, and shared the ball well.They need to work a little harder on the rebounding, although that was not bad. Overall looking improved over  last year.
Title: Radio coverage of Ithaca-Cortland basketball
Post by: WICB Sports on December 04, 2007, 02:41:48 PM
Radio coverage of tonight's Ithaca-Cortland basketball games starts at 6 p.m. on 92 WICB (www.wicb.org) as the Ithaca women's team takes on the 24th-ranked Red Dragons.

On VIC Radio (www.vicradio.org), coverage of the men's game starts with Bombers Shootaround at 7:40 p.m. followed by tip-off of the men's game at 8 p.m.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 06, 2007, 12:10:26 PM
Any Alfred fans or player out there... tell me about Stevens. You played them already...what did you think. Does Elmira have a chance this friday?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on December 06, 2007, 01:22:51 PM
Quote from: sotier on December 06, 2007, 12:10:26 PM
Any Alfred fans or player out there... tell me about Stevens. You played them already...what did you think. Does Elmira have a chance this friday?

Go over to the men's board and ask randombball fan about Stevens.  I am going to guess that he knows something about their squad.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on December 06, 2007, 05:05:58 PM
And perhaps AUPepBand has some Lady Sax stories as well.  Maybe there was once a Legendary Alexandra Yunevich.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 08, 2007, 03:44:54 PM
EXperiment,and search!! When will it end for Elmira? At some point  you need to have some faith in your players.The EC coach seems to have none.You no longer have D.Troutman and Coackely to run the"press and run" style.SO ADJUST ALREADY. You have talent,use it properly. Stevens did not scare.They were not dauntingly good.But EC was outcoached.Stevens players were patient, and sharing with the ball.EC was in a hurry to whip up"notice the word shoot was not used" a three, when their best success was moving it inside.The only player who was hitting the three was givin the bench most of the second half. Heres a though RUN HER A PLAY. A group of bench players come in with some spark and decrease the lead to 14, only to be sat down for the remainder.Show some faith!!BUT  EC sticks with the press zone defense, and the same offense each time down the floor. Lets see some variation. Coach D showed us all last year and years passed that he can coach,but this year he has become the worst thing a coach and team can be... PREDICTABLE.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on December 08, 2007, 05:21:17 PM
That gimmick-ball system Elmira dreamed up can only work for so long, especially if as Sotier says the best personnel has graduated.  It's like a pitcher with a funky delivery who looks unhittable his first tour around the league but then the hitters see the video and figure it out.

Question is, is it even possible for EC to adjust on the fly?  Those kids have been drilled, I assume, since they showed up on campus to play basketball like rabid squirrels on a sugar rush.  Can they learn another system in the middle of the season?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 11, 2007, 09:19:31 AM
CAZ,I did not mean to mislead.D.Troutman did graduate (now an assistant), Coackely is injured with an expected return early 08.Heres a question. How much talent difference is there between D2 and D3??
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on December 11, 2007, 09:28:39 AM
Quote from: sotier on December 11, 2007, 09:19:31 AMHeres a question. How much talent difference is there between D2 and D3??

Depends on which sport and which D2 / D3 conference.

In football, I'd say the talent difference is pretty huge.

In women's hoop, I'd bet the top D3 programs are very competive with the bottom 1/3rd of D2.  But, when you start looking at D2 conferences like the Sunshine State Conference or the Peachbelt Conference, or the Conference in California, the difference gets much bigger.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 13, 2008, 10:05:05 AM
Elmira finally looking to get it. Saturdays game they combined a defense that pressured when opportunity allowed with a crisper more organized offense.They passed the ball in a more timely manner, and seemed to maintain their offensive spacing the best of the season.They went to the basket with more consistancy. The spacing and crisp passing led to Troutman getting some clean looks,and she got on track with some three pointers.Add in that Coackely returned for the first time this year,and perhaps the down slide is being turned around.All that being said,it was against a two win team.We will see if this is a turn around against the next on the schedual,a good Oneonta team.
Title: WICB's coverage of Bombers basketball this weekend
Post by: WICB Sports on January 17, 2008, 03:07:43 PM
WICB's coverage of Bombers basketball this weekend begins with Friday night's women's Empire 8 contest between Ithaca College and Nazareth College, with coverage beginning at 6 p.m.  Then at 8 p.m., WICB will have the men's contest between the Bombers and the Golden Flyers.

On Saturday, WICB's coverage begins at 2 p.m. as the Bombers' women's team travels to RIT.  Coverage continues at 4 p.m. as the Bombers' men's team takes on the RIT men's team.

WICB is available online at www.wicb.org and can be heard locally in the Ithaca area at 91.7 FM.
Title: Radio coverage of Bombers basketball at Elmira
Post by: WICB Sports on January 21, 2008, 04:17:50 PM
Both the women's and men's Bombers basketball games at Elmira Tuesday evening will be broadcast online.  The women's game can be heard at 6 p.m. on 92 WICB, available online at www.wicb.org.  Following the women's game, the men's game will be broadcast on VIC Radio at www.vicradio.org, with tip-off at 8 p.m.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 22, 2008, 10:51:40 PM
Elmira-Ithaca.........ahhhhhhhhhh no comment lil mite???? Elmira played well...Ithaca looked baaaaad.Maybe this was real, maybe not.  How did you see it?
Title: Hartwick
Post by: patroonbball on January 26, 2008, 09:15:52 PM
 Talking about the rats leaving a sinking ship. I can see why D.Thompson left Hartwick this year. They are bad. Of course, her poor recruiting the last 4 years is the blame and not the poor coach who got left this mess. I can see why Daphne went to the other side of town.
Title: Radio Coverage of Tuesday's Bombers Basketball Games
Post by: WICB Sports on January 28, 2008, 06:22:46 PM
Radio coverage of Tuesday's Empire 8 basketball games at the Ben Light Gymnasium begins at 5:40 p.m. with Bombers Shootaround on vicradio.org.  At 6 p.m., Josh Canu and Zach Tomanelli have the call of the women's contest between Ithaca and RIT.

At 7:40 p.m., Bombers Shootaround begins before the men's game on 91.7 FM and www.wicb.org.  Robert Schroeder and Michael Polak have the call of the game at 8 p.m. on WICB.
Title: Tuesday's Ithaca-Oneonta Broadcast Info
Post by: WICB Sports on February 04, 2008, 03:28:42 PM
Coverage of Bombers basketball begins Tuesday at 5:40 p.m. Eastern time with Bombers Shootaround on 92 WICB (www.wicb.org).  Coverage of the women's contest between the Bombers and Oneonta tips off at 6 p.m., with Michael Polak and Matt McLaughlin with the call.

At 7:40 p.m., pregame coverage of the men's game begins on vicradio.org.  At 8 p.m., Nate March and Andrew Sidney have the call from the Ben Light Gymnasium on vicradio.org.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: FROMAFAR on February 08, 2008, 08:50:57 AM
Het gang... I follw the E 8 men, but can anyone rationalize why Stevens is not Ranked. I don't see many E 8 women games, but their record and stats look pretty impressive. Their point guard has some great stats as well. I could be way off base, and believe me I have no connection with them. Just an E 8 guy and noticed this....  ;)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on February 08, 2008, 09:35:51 AM
Quote from: FROMAFAR on February 08, 2008, 08:50:57 AM
Het gang... I follw the E 8 men, but can anyone rationalize why Stevens is not Ranked. I don't see many E 8 women games, but their record and stats look pretty impressive. Their point guard has some great stats as well. I could be way off base, and believe me I have no connection with them. Just an E 8 guy and noticed this....  ;)

Without looking at anything else, I would guess they are not ranked because they are in the E8.  Unfortunately, it has been a few years since the conference has been very relevant on the national scene.  Since teams don't play out of region that often they are often downgraded unfairly for being in a generally weak conference (Stevens WBBall) or upgraded unfairly for being in a generally strong conference (Hartwick Football).
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: FROMAFAR on February 08, 2008, 11:20:38 AM
Thanks Viper, I get it.....
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: picabo on February 10, 2008, 09:33:42 AM
Quote from: lileyes on February 14, 2007, 05:42:48 PM
Yea I would say Kerri Brown should be in consideration as best E8 player. I would also throw in Tiffany Hurley. 

Sounds like Elmira/Ithaca was a great game! Shoudl be an interesting women's E8 tourny.

With all due respect, you've obviously not been following Hartwick/Empire 8/Empire Athletic Association for very long.

Tiffany Hurley???  I wouldn't call her the best E8 player.  I wouldn't even call her the best Hartwick player.  Top 5, yes.  Best player in recent Hartwick history (ie. since 1990) and best E8 player is Katie Stanton, '97.  She was the EAA Rookie of the Year.  She was the Player of the Year her senior year.  She was a 2-time ECAC all-star.  Her senior year, Hartwick won the EAA, NYSWCAA, and hosted a first-round NCAA game (their 3rd straight appearance).

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: picabo on February 10, 2008, 09:40:37 AM
Quote from: bigchief on January 14, 2007, 09:40:05 AM
Quote from: sotier on January 14, 2007, 08:30:14 AM
The message after week one of league play is ,"Empire 8  is a On Any Given Night League". Until  someone matures(SJF),becomes more consistant(EC)(RIT),properly uses their  strength(UC),or finds their coaching method(HC),anyone can win.
"Finds their coaching method(HC)?" Their head coach has been there since 1992. Did they loose their method along the way or did they not have one? The seniors on this team should be at the top of their game. If anything, they played better as freshmen.

I'm gonna have to echo that one.  Here's a little blurb from her bio:

In 1999 Thompson was named WBCA District II Coach of the Year, Women's Division III Coach of the Year by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York, NYSWCAA Coach of the Year, and Empire Athletic Association Co-Coach of the Year after leading Hartwick to an NCAA Tournament appearance and a 17-10 record.  In 2004 she was named Empire 8 Coach of the Year for a third time after leading the Hawks to a 15-12 record.  That year Hartwick reached the Empire 8 Conference Tournament and the Eastern College Athletic Conference Tournament.

I'd say she "found her coaching method" a long time ago.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: picabo on February 10, 2008, 09:55:44 AM
Quote from: bigchief on August 23, 2007, 08:05:21 PM
Wick is supposed to have a good recruiting class. Coach Powell, interim head coach, was the one who brought them in. She'd also recruited the four seniors from last year's team.
A better question is how did Thompson get the SUCO job? Especially after last year's poor record. The four seniors from last year's team came into the year with much promise. Some of her tactics left many shaking their heads. Better luck to you folks at SUCO.

I don't even know where to begin with this. 

"Some of her tactics left many shaking their heads".  What are talking about?!?  Coach Thompson is the best coach in the history of the program.  I'd say her "tactics" work quite well.  To the "many shaking their heads" ... lemme guess .... you have a daughter that played and you don't feel like Coach Thompson worshipped her enough.

"A better question is how did Thompson get the SUCO job?"  See my earlier post that listed some of her coaching honors.

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: picabo on February 10, 2008, 10:05:16 AM
Quote from: patroonbball on August 30, 2007, 09:22:34 PM
It does make you wonder what SUCO saw to hire her.This past season was suppose to be THE season for Hartwick. 9-14 probably meant she saw the handwriting on the wall at 'wick. Plus, her recruiting left lots to be desired. Plenty of kids promised things that were never backed up.

What handwriting would that be?  The SUCO job opened up, she applied, SUCO recognized how talented she is and hired her.  The End.

Her recruiting left lots to be desired? Have you ever recruited for Hartwick?  What makes you think you're qualified to judge the recruiting efforts?  Hartwick is one of the most expensive schools in the country.  There have been many good players who would have attended Hartwick but they couldn't afford it.  You gonna blame that one on Coach Thompson?

Plenty of kids promised things that were never backed up?  Do you mean the players made promises they didn't back up or are you implying Coach Thompson promised things she didn't back up?  If the latter, I [sarcasm] love [/sarcasm] the innuendo without any facts.  You should be in politics.
Title: Re: Hartwick
Post by: picabo on February 10, 2008, 10:15:24 AM
Quote from: patroonbball on January 26, 2008, 09:15:52 PM
Talking about the rats leaving a sinking ship. I can see why D.Thompson left Hartwick this year. They are bad. Of course, her poor recruiting the last 4 years is the blame and not the poor coach who got left this mess. I can see why Daphne went to the other side of town.

Lemme guess .... you're another one of those bitter parents.

Read some of my earlier posts if you want some actual facts about Coach Thompson.
Title: Radio coverage of Tuesday's Ithaca-Elmira games
Post by: WICB Sports on February 11, 2008, 02:55:21 PM
Coverage of Tuesday's Ithaca-Elmira Empire 8 contests begins with Bombers Shootaround at 5:40 p.m. Eastern time on 91.7 FM in Ithaca and online at www.wicb.org.  Tip-off of the women's game is at 6 p.m. on WICB.

At 7:40 p.m. Eastern, coverage of the men's game begins with Bombers Shootaround on VIC Radio (www.vicradio.org).  Tip-off is at 8 p.m. on VIC Radio.
Title: Radio Coverage of Bombers' Road Empire 8 Games
Post by: WICB Sports on February 14, 2008, 04:24:49 PM
Radio coverage of the Bombers' weekend Empire 8 roadtrip begins Friday at 5:40 p.m. Eastern time with Bombers Shootaround before the women's contest at Alfred on 92 WICB (www.wicb.org).  At 6 p.m., Matt McLaughlin and David Portney have the call from Alfred.

At 7:40 p.m., coverage of the Bombers' men's game against Alfred begins with Bombers Shootaround on vicradio.org.  At 8 p.m., Josh Canu and Dan Armata have the call.

On Saturday, coverage of the Bombers' women's contest at St. John Fisher starts at 1:40 p.m. with Bombers Shootaround on vicradio.org.  Tip-off is at 2 p.m.; Nate March and Mike Hibbard have the call.

And at 3:40 p.m., Bombers Shootaround begins on 92 WICB (www.wicb.org) before the Bombers' men's game against Fisher.  At 4 p.m., Mike Polak and Mike Hibbard have the call from Pittsford, NY.
Title: Radio Coverage of Friday and Saturday's Bombers Games
Post by: WICB Sports on February 20, 2008, 02:46:44 PM
Radio coverage for the Bombers' women's games this weekend is as follows:

Ithaca vs. Stevens, pregame starting at 5:40 p.m. Friday on www.vicradio.org
Ithaca vs. Nazareth, pregame starting at 1:40 p.m. on www.wicb.org

Coverage of the men's games will be as follows:

Ithaca vs. Stevens, pregame starting at 7:40 p.m. on www.wicb.org
Ithaca vs. Naareth, pregame starting at 3:40 p.m. on www.vicradio.org
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: wbballfan on February 23, 2008, 09:03:16 PM
sorry I had to put my 2 cents in the subject of Coach Thompson/Hartwick/ now Suny Oneonta.
My daughter was actually recruited by Coach Thompson a few years ago. She decided not to go to Hartwick, though it had absolutely nothing to do with Coach Thompson, we visited the campus, its a great school We liked her coaching style and she was very nice to my daughter on her visit. She seemed like a very get in your face type of coach and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Title: Radio Coverage of Empire 8 Tournaments
Post by: WICB Sports on February 26, 2008, 01:38:29 PM
Both the men's and women's Empire 8 tournaments will be broadcast in entirety by WICB and VIC Radio.

The schedule for the men's tournament:

Men's semifinal, Stevens vs. Nazareth, 6 p.m. Friday on 92 WICB and wicb.org (pregame at 5:40)
Men's semifinal, Ithaca vs. St. John Fisher, 8 p.m. Friday on 92 WICB and wicb.org (pregame at 7:40)
Men's final, Saturday 3 p.m. on 92 WICB and wicb.org (pregame at 2:40)

The schedule for the women's tournament:

Women's semifinal, Stevens vs. St. John Fisher, 6 p.m. Friday on vicradio.org (pregame at 5:40)
Women's semifinal, Ithaca vs Utica, 8 p.m. Friday on vicradio.org (pregame at 7:40)
Women's final, Saturday 3:30 p.m. on vicradio.org (pregame at 3:10)
Title: Time Change for Women's Final
Post by: WICB Sports on February 27, 2008, 01:11:45 PM
Saturday's women's final has been moved to 4 p.m., meaning VIC Radio (www.vicradio.org) will begin coverage at 3:40 p.m. on Saturday.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: UCgrad45 on March 02, 2008, 07:09:23 AM
Congrats to the UC Women and Coach Davis!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on March 02, 2008, 09:04:55 AM
UC women going dancin for the first time! Best of luck girls!  ;D
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on March 02, 2008, 07:23:15 PM
Thank You UC women.Nothin against Stevens,but something about a new team joining a conference and taking the title first year just didnt set with me.Seemed to me that the conference bent over backwards to accomodate them.As a parent,the worst of which was moving games from friday-saturday to friday-sunday to allow for Stevens to travel.Now have to get hotel for 2 nights for a weekend home series.All the other teams being in a close proximity, travel and play that day.Stevens travels ,practices in the away gym the night before the game, and plays the next day.Alot easier,and takes away some home court advantage.My question is, why did 8 teams have to change game days to accomodate a new team??What did Stevens bring to the table for the E8 to go to such lenghts to get them??Tell me, am I seeing this wrong??
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: UCgrad45 on March 02, 2008, 09:15:05 PM
Quote from: sotier on March 02, 2008, 07:23:15 PM
Thank You UC women.Nothin against Stevens,but something about a new team joining a conference and taking the title first year just didnt set with me.Seemed to me that the conference bent over backwards to accomodate them.As a parent,the worst of which was moving games from friday-saturday to friday-sunday to allow for Stevens to travel.Now have to get hotel for 2 nights for a weekend home series.All the other teams being in a close proximity, travel and play that day.Stevens travels ,practices in the away gym the night before the game, and plays the next day.Alot easier,and takes away some home court advantage.My question is, why did 8 teams have to change game days to accomodate a new team??What did Stevens bring to the table for the E8 to go to such lenghts to get them??Tell me, am I seeing this wrong??

There was the possibility of another school in the area of Stevens also joining. For whatever reason, it didn't happen. They would have had a travel partner if the 10th school was in the conference.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on March 04, 2008, 01:55:33 PM
Why isn't Ithaca in the ECAC?    They certainly should have qualified ahead of SJ Fischer and RIT.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on March 04, 2008, 01:58:57 PM
Quote from: TheNextLevel on March 04, 2008, 01:55:33 PM
Why isn't Ithaca in the ECAC?    They certainly should have qualified ahead of SJ Fischer and RIT.


The Men's E8 Board is having a detailed discussion about ECAC eligibility.  I presume the same applies to IC Women's team.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on March 04, 2008, 02:20:19 PM
My choices for E8 womens all-star team:

1st Team:

Dani Dudeck - Stevens (MVP)
Jessica Berry - UC  (Rookie of the Year)
Allison Doehm - SJF
Erika Steele - IC
Dora Enright - Stevens

2nd Team:

DevonCroll - UC
Katherine Bixby - IC
Bridget Catenese - EC
Mary Kate Comfort - SJF
Ali Sharpe - Naz
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on March 04, 2008, 02:29:10 PM
Jose,
Thanks for the info, below is the the explaination from the mens board.


The NCAA Div. 3 manual states the season limit is 19 (consecutive?) weeks from the start of the first pre-season practice, excluding and NCAA tournament games/practice time.  So it would seem that if a team chooses to start practice the first allowable day (October 15th) then they're already excluding themselves from the ECAC tournament since the 19th week ended on March 2nd. 
I checked with someone knowledgeable about the rules, and the weeks don't have to be consecutive.  The problem appears to be that if you practice (or play) for 1 day during the week, the whole week counts.  If you took the whole week from 12/23 - 12/29 off, you would be OK, but if you came back on the 27th or 28th, you would indeed have to count the week.   Ithaca played in a tournament on the 28th & 29th, so they had to count the week, then came right back to Ithaca to play on the 4th of January.

There are 20 weeks inclusive between October 15 (start of practice) and March 1 (Last Saturday of Regular Season).  To be eligible for ECAC's you would have to take two weeks off, (e.g. Thanksgiving & Finals or Finals and the week between Christmas & New Years).  The schools that don't start practice until late obviously have an advantage here.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on March 22, 2008, 03:17:55 PM
Below are the official E8 all-stars.  The only surprises are O'Dell (RIT) and Troutman (EC).  Neither should be there IMO. 


Date: March 4, 2008 Contact: Timothy Farrell, Asst. Commissioner
tfarrell@empire8.com
EMPIRE 8 ANNOUNCES WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

2008 Empire 8 Women's Basketball Honors
Player of the Year: Dani Dudek, Stevens Institute of Technology
Rookie of the Year: Jessica Berry, Utica College
Coach of the Year: Jon Hochberg, Stevens Institute of Technology
Empire 8 Women's Basketball All-Conference
First Team
Name School Year Position
Jessica Berry Utica Sophomore Forward
Katherine Bixby Ithaca Sophomore Guard
Allison Boehm St. John Fisher Senior Guard/Forward
Dani Dudek Stevens Junior Guard
Dora Enright Stevens Senior Forward
Second Team
Name School Year Position
Devon Croll Utica Freshman Guard
Joanna Dobeck RIT Senior Forward
Brianna O'Dell RIT Freshman Forward
Erika Steele Ithaca Senior Center
Kourtney Troutman Elmira Senior Guard
Sportswoman of the Year
Name Yr. School
Alysha Dias So. Alfred University
Katrina Jax Sr. Elmira College
Katie Caddell Jr. Hartwick College
Kali Carnovale Sr. Ithaca College
Sally Wilcox Jr. Nazareth College
Jamie Snyder Sr. Rochester Institute of Technology
Ashley Napoleone Sr. St. John Fisher College
Jean Matusiak Sr. Stevens Institute of Technology
Karen Crisanti Sr. Utica College
Honorable Mention
Bridget Catanese, Elmira; Mallory Davis, Utica; Samantha Galm, Hartwick; Melanie
Jackson, Alfred; Ali Sharpe, Nazareth.
-Empire 8-


Quote from: TheNextLevel on March 04, 2008, 02:20:19 PM
My choices for E8 womens all-star team:

1st Team:

Dani Dudeck - Stevens (MVP)
Jessica Berry - UC  (Rookie of the Year)
Allison Doehm - SJF
Erika Steele - IC
Dora Enright - Stevens

2nd Team:

DevonCroll - UC
Katherine Bixby - IC
Bridget Catenese - EC
Mary Kate Comfort - SJF
Ali Sharpe - Naz

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on May 01, 2008, 02:14:37 PM
News: Elmira coach resigns to take position at Catholic. Now the search begins for a new coach, any  suggestions??
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on May 01, 2008, 02:18:04 PM
Just a thought here, How about Cathy Baum, former SJF player.Playing for and assissting under Kahler,and allways a heady player. What you think??
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on May 01, 2008, 02:28:19 PM
Elmira's gain is Catholic's loss...Don't let the door hit you in the ___  on the way out!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: CardinalRed on May 08, 2008, 01:47:54 PM
Whats the word on Former Elmira and New Catholic coach, Matt Donohue?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on May 10, 2008, 05:52:59 PM
 I hate to post negatives, but if anyone deserves it....and you asked.

A very good recruiter because he will tell a player whatever they want to hear both before and after they are there, rarely follows though on his word , is manipulative and all that catches up with you, thus the frequent moves.  Also he will purge the schedule of quality opponents and schedule  as many creampuffs as possible to get wins.  (Only 5  'out of conference ' wins in the 5 seasons at Elmira  against teams with a better than 500 record).   His only 2 winning seasons at Elmira were the result of an assistant coach who knew more than he did.  Without her he had 3 losing seasons.  He often pits players against each other behind the scenes, while preaching Team unity.   I could go on and on,  but that would identify players .  As I said , he did recruit some quality players to Elmira, (but then Elmira attracts quality students/athletes to begin with, as does Catholic) and they played thier hearts out for each other.

Below is an earlier  post from another EC fan...



sotier

Second-stringer
Karma: 1
Offline

Posts: 47

Re: Empire Eight
December 08, 2007, 04:44:54 pm »   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXperiment,and search!! When will it end for Elmira? At some point  you need to have some faith in your players.  The EC coach seems to have none. You no longer have Coackely to run the "press and run" style. SO ADJUST ALREADY. You have talent, use it properly.  Stevens did not scare.  They were not dauntingly good.  But EC was outcoached.  Stevens players were patient, and sharing with the ball.  EC was in a hurry to whip up"notice the word shoot was not used" a three, when their best success was moving it inside. The only player who was hitting the three was givin the bench most of the second half.  Heres a though RUN HER A PLAY.  A group of bench players come in with some spark and decrease the lead to 14, only to be sat down for the remainder.   Show some faith!!    BUT  EC sticks with the press zone defense, and the same offense each time down the floor. Lets see some variation. Coach D  has become the worst thing a coach and team can be... PREDICTABLE.



Title: Starting Over
Post by: TheNextLevel on May 10, 2008, 06:09:26 PM
Lets start fresh!

Elmira is a great school!  Assuming Pat Thompson finds a good hire (she is very good AD)  EC will be a great pick for any Coach and any new recruit.  It will be a little tough for the first year (the cupboard was left a little bare) but lets hope we can return EC to the glory days of current Rochester and former Elmira coach,  Jim Scheible.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on May 10, 2008, 06:10:20 PM
Lets start fresh!

Elmira is a great school!  Assuming Pat Thompson finds a good hire (she is very good AD)  EC will be a great pick for any Coach and any new recruit.  It will be a little tough for the first year (the cupboard was left a little bare) but lets hope we can return EC to the glory days of current Rochester and former Elmira coach,  Jim Scheible.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on May 10, 2008, 09:41:23 PM
OK so Elmira coach D is gone.So now what? I agree with most of what NEXT LEVEL says except the "bare cupboard" part. As was said he was a good recruiter if nothin else.There are players currently on the roster that can win in the E8.But they must be used properly. Repeate..they have the players.The press and run system  WAS the right style for the players on the court in 06-07, I give him that.But the dynamic was different this year, and adjustment for the personnel was slow in coming. I would like to see a more conventional style next year. I am from the school of,"just do the basics better".
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on May 11, 2008, 11:47:57 AM
Didn't mean to offend...I said "a little bare", not completely.  There are some good returnees.  Solid down low with Symonds and Rumple.  If Coakley is healthly she is an GREAT defender, handles well and creates offensive opportunities with her ability to get to the basket (but she has trouble finishing).  However, her knee was only @50% this past season when she came back and who knows how the knee will be next year.  Kent is a solid 2 guard/role player and Peterman can shoot the 3, but is a liablilty on defense.  They need to fill a lot of holes after that (Catenese will be very tough to replace)... that's where the recruites come in.  I know his top recruit is going elsewhere, and I'm sure others did as well...like I said earlier -word gets around-   He left after the May 1st deposit deadline so it is to late for those that may have decided to come when they heard he left.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: heatlee on May 15, 2008, 08:24:28 PM
Ripping the former Elmira coach is really not fair, because the team and the progam improved under his watch, and as whole is probably in better shape than it was when he took over.

Additionally, let's be honest Catholic is a better job than Elmira.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on May 17, 2008, 06:37:34 PM
The record may have improved (for 2 seasons) but not "the program".  The facts speak for themsevles as explained in earlier posts.

Coach D is a Centenary Grad, and heatlee (Cabrini grad) has posted about him and Centenary occassionally in the past.  He most likey is a crony of his, so it is understandable that he would defend him.

Catholic is a fine school and may be a good fit for him, but he had it made at Elmira.  Great School, tons of scholarship money, very supportive Athletic Director and Adminstration, AND he started with a couple of  great  players to build around.  But he blew it.  The team went down hill this year and next year was looking worse, so he jumped (was pushed)  out.

With the talent EC had... He definitely under-achieved all 5 seasons.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: heatlee on May 18, 2008, 09:14:04 AM
The bottom line with Coach D is that he did improve the program from the coach he took over from. The four seasons before he arrived Elmira went 36-61 for a .371 winning percentage.  In the five seasons he was there they went 71-63 for a .529 winning percentage.  Additionally, in his first year he won six more game with someone elses players.

Maybe he didn't achieve the way some people might have liked,  but he did win almost double the amount of games in one more season than his predecessor. And it is obvious that he did a better job than the previous coach.  Hopefully for Elmira they hire someone to take the program to the level that many believe it can achieve.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on May 19, 2008, 12:13:23 PM
 As was explained earlier, the increase in the # of wins was the result of a weaker schedule than the previous coaches had.   EC's  strength of schedule was in the top 100 in the country when he came and dropped to 279 this year according to the D3 hoops rankings.  AND his only 2 winning seasons were greatly aided by an excellent assistant coach.  Without her he had 3 losing seasons. This season, even with the weak non league schedule and a really down year in the E8, EC was still only 12-13.  (Look at the E8 record this season against SUNYAC and Liberty Leagues, very poor).

He walked into a good situation at EC, and it looks like that is true at Catholic as well...the entire team returns and a freshman stud (just like Parker at EC , who did not come back after her knee injury because of Donahue) so they SHOULD do better next year.

Again, he had several very good players who gave all they had for each other and EC.

Bottom Line.  Everybody at EC is happy he is gone, you seem happy to have him (wait a couple years).  So... Everybody is happy! 

Title: UPDATE US
Post by: sotier on May 19, 2008, 07:49:36 PM
Next level.Seems you have a channel into the goings on at Elmira.Parent?Former player?I dont really care, you have good insite into the program.Thanks for posting.Only those familiar with this team can look beyond the win-loss record to truly get the measure of the quality of the coaching job done this last season.I gotta believe that Donahue himself would say he underperformed. He didnt seem to put the amount of attention as in past years (perhaps some personal problem we dont know about?).Reguardless of the reason, he is gone lets look forward.Do you have any inside info as to the job search?? Many applicants?? Any promising interviews?? Let us know what your ear to the ground hears!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on May 20, 2008, 06:29:16 PM
sotier

Somewhat.  It is still early in the process and everyone has tight lips (as they should at this stage).  I certainly don't want to speak out of turn.

Thanks for the thumbs up.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on June 19, 2008, 02:36:46 PM
Predictions for next year.   I look for Utica to repeat.      Everyone should be set by now.   By the way still nothing concrete to report on a new Elmira Coach.  I am surprised  AD Pat Thompson has let it drag on this long... the players are getting anxious!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on June 22, 2008, 07:12:02 PM
Why the delay in finding a new EC coach?? Is the AD not satisfied with the applicants so far? Do they have someone in mind and negotiations on terms at a snag? If I were a current player I guess I would start to be concerned.You would think they would want the new coach in place for their girls summer camp.Time is starting to be rapidly out for that.
As for next years predictions-get back to ya when coaches and recruits in place.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on July 07, 2008, 09:06:08 AM
elmira  restarts application process.Now I am offically concerned about the quality of coach they will have for the upcoming season.Who is left at this date? Perhaps I am overreacting and this is not that out of usual practice.SO tell me...should I be concerned yet, or is there still lots of quality coaches available?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on July 07, 2008, 05:01:26 PM
Quote from: sotier on July 07, 2008, 09:06:08 AM
elmira  restarts application process.Now I am offically concerned about the quality of coach they will have for the upcoming season.Who is left at this date? Perhaps I am overreacting and this is not that out of usual practice.SO tell me...should I be concerned yet, or is there still lots of quality coaches available?

I think you're right to be concerned.  4 months from opening tip, 3 from practice and to not have any kind of coaching staff is kinda ludicrous.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on July 15, 2008, 09:25:41 AM
I agree, it is very late to restart a search.  Word is the top 2 candidates took other jobs before Elmira made their move.

I choose to look it as the glass is half full....We could still find a quality coach.  It will just be one without experience.  It may turn out for the best.  Someone fresh instead of a retread.   It is a crap shoot anyway
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on July 22, 2008, 11:21:47 AM
Shannon Howley Named Women's Basketball Coach and Sports Information Director at Elmira College.  I am glad they went with a female coach.  She will be behind the 8 ball to start, but hopefully things will get turned around.  See full press release below:

http://www.empire8.com/News/20080722-1.shtml
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on July 22, 2008, 07:48:12 PM
Congrads  and a pat on the back to all those at Elmira College for a job well done in the search and hire of a new head womens basketball coach. Although I admit to being worried and confused on the length of the search, results matter.Finding the right fit matters.Lets all hope that their due diligence paid off.
So what do we know of the new hire (Shannon Howley). At this point not much.But this we do know,she brings experience.Head coaching experience. And to turn this group of players over to a first time coach would have been a shame for there is talent on the team.We must remember that Elmira finished just out of the playoffs,in a year that all those who follow the team would admit was frustrating,confusing,perplexing,and anything but consistent.All players,even more so good players,desire and seek a consistent message. Hopefully Coach Howley's experience brings that consistency of message back to Elmira.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on October 06, 2008, 08:11:44 PM
Practice starts next week........finally!! This old gym rat is chomping at the bit to see some hoops. I staved off the hunger a little by going to some "Macker" events this summer,but its time for some good ole fashion D3 hoops.A month from now each fan will be touting their program as the best.Each and every parents offspring is the next big thing,and each coach is by far the best.....all this is as it should be. So lets get her started boys and girls.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: GPT on November 11, 2008, 02:22:12 PM
Kahler is retiring TBA
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on November 14, 2008, 11:30:42 AM
Congrats to Phil Kahler on a great career.   Most successfull coach in D3 History!   I would assume his long time assistant Marianne O'Connor-Ermi will be a shoe-in for the job.

This makes for 5 new coaches in the E8 this year.  Should be a very interestin season.   I look for Utica to repeat, beating Ithaca for the championship.

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on November 21, 2008, 11:36:45 PM
Great win for Dan Raymond and IC the other night, beating Cortland on the road behind Katherine Bixby's 25 points.  Bombers beat Bridgewater State (defending MASCAC tournament champs) by 15 tonight in the opener of the Oswego tournament and will play the Lakers tomorrow.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: thebear on November 30, 2008, 07:39:52 PM
Potsdam beat Ithaca 68-66.  Potsdam junior Rachel Graf (Elbridge, NY) took an inbounds pass with .6 left on the clock, turned and banked a 6 footer for the win.  Graf led all scorers with 21, also scoring in double figures for the Lady Bears were Cortney Poirier (Moira, NY) with 14, Hannah Fairchild (Brushton, NY) with 11, and Molly Krauza (Fredonia, NY) with 11.

Potsdam had a 30-18 edge in rebounding, and held Ithaca to 4 offensive rebounds.

Katherine Bixby (Philadelphia, PA) led the Lady Bombers with 16, and was aided by Lindsay Brown (Danbury, CT) with 12, Tracy Bradley(Brunswick, ME) with 11, and Elissa Klie(Wyckoff, NJ) with 11.

Potsdam moves to 3-1 on the season, while Ithaca drops to 3-3.  The win is significant because the Bombers had beaten SUNYAC powers Cortland & Oswego on the road in the past week.

Potsdam's next game is at Clarkson on Tuesday in a 6 PM start.  The Bombers host 2007 NCAA Elite 8 team William Smith at the Bulb on Tuesday.


Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on December 01, 2008, 12:50:13 PM
Potsdam is a contender isn the SUNYAC this year.  Coach Ruckh has really turned that program around.  Ithaca is a team that is well coached and will always get better as the season continues.  It helped Postdam that asst. coach Molly Brennan is an Ithaca grad. (a little inside info always helps!) 

Changing schools...Elmira players are loving thier new coach and playing above expectations.  They have 2 games coming up they should win before moving into the E8 season.  I still look for IC and Utica to battle for the title, but EC could surprise some people this year.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 03, 2008, 09:49:56 AM
Few games into the season and my take of the Elmira hire of coach Howley appears to be a good fit. The offense seems to fit the talent. The post and forwards are much more the focus.A real effort to get the ball low has resulted in a dramatic increase in points over last season.A big plus over last season is the healthy return of Coakley,and her ability to push the play when needed.Peterman is steady at the point, and Kent is looking confident and comfortable.Post player Symonds has been found again this season,for whatever reason not utilized last year,freeing up Rupell  and making a strong front court.
I really like the "mix" this year. Howley in a very short time seems to have found the combinations of players that fit together, and put them in a offense that fits them.I for one, am a  much more optimistic fan heading into the E8  games.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 03, 2008, 09:55:24 AM
As a side note.A big THANK YOU to the E8 for supplying the games FREE of charge this season via the internet. What a great option for fans and parents, who simply cannot travel to all the venues.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on December 03, 2008, 03:59:21 PM
I agree.  It's amazing how much difference a good coach can make.  Elmira's talent is solid, but overall the not up to the level of the last 4 years.  However, having a coach that knows how to use the talent they have and is not constantly play favorites and head games equals more success and much more fun.   

It is still early and Elmira will hit some bumps in the road, but this new regime is a big step up.

Congratulations ladies...Enjoy the break and then back to work.



Quote from: sotier on December 03, 2008, 09:49:56 AM
Few games into the season and my take of the Elmira hire of coach Howley appears to be a good fit. The offense seems to fit the talent. The post and forwards are much more the focus.A real effort to get the ball low has resulted in a dramatic increase in points over last season.A big plus over last season is the healthy return of Coakley,and her ability to push the play when needed.Peterman is steady at the point, and Kent is looking confident and comfortable.Post player Symonds has been found again this season,for whatever reason not utilized last year,freeing up Rupell  and making a strong front court.
I really like the "mix" this year. Howley in a very short time seems to have found the combinations of players that fit together, and put them in a offense that fits them.I for one, am a  much more optimistic fan heading into the E8  games.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 22, 2008, 05:04:12 PM
With the end of December, and the conference scheduale about to kick in, hows your team doing?? Who in the E8 is for real and who is a pretender?Give a big thumbs up to Alfred coach Jay Murphy. He has taken a group that struggled  last season and made them a team of 5-1 believers. How good they are we will see soon when they take on the other E8 teams.I believe that Ithaca(4-5) and Elmira (3-3) will be better in the E8. Both have played good teams, gotta believe that experience will count in the end. Stevens starting off strong is no surprise,but dont look for them to walk through the E8 as they did last season. I do not see any standout team this season,look for a "anyone can win any night " conference . Good luck.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 25, 2009, 01:43:39 PM
Quote from: sotier on December 22, 2008, 05:04:12 PM
With the end of December, and the conference scheduale about to kick in, hows your team doing?? Who in the E8 is for real and who is a pretender?Give a big thumbs up to Alfred coach Jay Murphy. He has taken a group that struggled  last season and made them a team of 5-1 believers. How good they are we will see soon when they take on the other E8 teams.I believe that Ithaca(4-5) and Elmira (3-3) will be better in the E8. Both have played good teams, gotta believe that experience will count in the end. Stevens starting off strong is no surprise,but dont look for them to walk through the E8 as they did last season. I do not see any standout team this season,look for a "anyone can win any night " conference . Good luck.


Bombers stun Stevens with a great 2nd half comeback. 49-47. Stevens misses a free throw with 9 seconds to go and misses a tying layup as time expires. Ithaca now 7-0 in conference and 11-5 overall.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 07, 2009, 12:24:42 PM
all quiet on the E8 posting front! So I'll give it a go at the season so far (around 20 games played). The teams at the top are no surprise. Ithaca, Stevens,Utica each at 9-2 conference play . All quality teams, who will end on top is anyones guess but my money is on Utica at this point. Having seen each of them play, I think that Utica simply has more scorers. They shoot the three with acuracy and consistantcy, they have quickness and can score in the paint.There only weakness is staying focused,but playoff time their coach will  DRILL FOCUS in them.
The fourth playoff team is ...who knows,Nazareth...Fisher...Hartwick...Elmira. Only two games separate them at this point.This will be more clear as Naz and Fisher play today. The winner has a good chance of the playoffs.
Elmira is a team on the edge. Seems they can play anyone close, put a scare in both Ithaca (OT) and Utica. Games all season have been close (PF-1222, PA-1220).They are a quality win from believing they can win  and learning to close a game out.Do not believe they can make the playoffs this season, and I'm sure the top three  are glad of it, for you dont know what kind of team will show up, and that makes them dangerous.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on February 13, 2009, 03:41:09 PM
As sotier says...no surprises at the top.  I look for Utica or Stevens to win the league with  IC  on the outside looking in.  The other 6 teams are all having an up & down year...not surprising given they all have new coaches.   

After showing a lot of promise in the 1st semester, Elmira is having a tough 2nd semester.  Losing Lawlor & Kaczynski hurt...they just don't have the depth to compete for 40 minutes.  Howely didn't have a chance to prepare properly or recruit (hired in late August) making the transition much more difficult.   Given the roster and the circumstances, I don't think you could expect much more.  She appears to be able to coach, let's hope for next year...recruiting will be the key.


Quote from: sotier on February 07, 2009, 12:24:42 PM
all quiet on the E8 posting front! So I'll give it a go at the season so far (around 20 games played). The teams at the top are no surprise. Ithaca, Stevens,Utica each at 9-2 conference play . All quality teams, who will end on top is anyones guess but my money is on Utica at this point. Having seen each of them play, I think that Utica simply has more scorers. They shoot the three with acuracy and consistantcy, they have quickness and can score in the paint.There only weakness is staying focused,but playoff time their coach will  DRILL FOCUS in them.
The fourth playoff team is ...who knows,Nazareth...Fisher...Hartwick...Elmira. Only two games separate them at this point.This will be more clear as Naz and Fisher play today. The winner has a good chance of the playoffs.
Elmira is a team on the edge. Seems they can play anyone close, put a scare in both Ithaca (OT) and Utica. Games all season have been close (PF-1222, PA-1220).They are a quality win from believing they can win  and learning to close a game out.Do not believe they can make the playoffs this season, and I'm sure the top three  are glad of it, for you dont know what kind of team will show up, and that makes them dangerous.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 13, 2009, 05:44:02 PM
Quote from: TheNextLevel on February 13, 2009, 03:41:09 PM
As sotier says...no surprises at the top.  I look for Utica or Stevens to win the league with  IC  on the outside looking in.  The other 6 teams are all having an up & down year...not surprising given they all have new coaches.   

After showing a lot of promise in the 1st semester, Elmira is having a tough 2nd semester.  Losing Lawlor & Kaczynski hurt...they just don't have the depth to compete for 40 minutes.  Howely didn't have a chance to prepare properly or recruit (hired in late August) making the transition much more difficult.   Given the roster and the circumstances, I don't think you could expect much more.  She appears to be able to coach, let's hope for next year...recruiting will be the key.


Quote from: sotier on February 07, 2009, 12:24:42 PM
all quiet on the E8 posting front! So I'll give it a go at the season so far (around 20 games played). The teams at the top are no surprise. Ithaca, Stevens,Utica each at 9-2 conference play . All quality teams, who will end on top is anyones guess but my money is on Utica at this point. Having seen each of them play, I think that Utica simply has more scorers. They shoot the three with acuracy and consistantcy, they have quickness and can score in the paint.There only weakness is staying focused,but playoff time their coach will  DRILL FOCUS in them.
The fourth playoff team is ...who knows,Nazareth...Fisher...Hartwick...Elmira. Only two games separate them at this point.This will be more clear as Naz and Fisher play today. The winner has a good chance of the playoffs.
Elmira is a team on the edge. Seems they can play anyone close, put a scare in both Ithaca (OT) and Utica. Games all season have been close (PF-1222, PA-1220).They are a quality win from believing they can win  and learning to close a game out.Do not believe they can make the playoffs this season, and I'm sure the top three  are glad of it, for you dont know what kind of team will show up, and that makes them dangerous.

How do the three way ties work in the E8 for basketball? I think Ithaca will beat Naz and RIT to wind up 13-3. If Stevens tops Utica, there's likely going to be a three-way at 13-3.

Do they do H2H thing? IC went 3-1 against those two teams, Utica would be 1-3 and Stevens would 2-2, so that would give the Bombers the edge. Do they drop the team who lost to the worst team in conference and THEN do H2H? That would eliminate IC, and give it to Stevens based on a head to head.

Anyone know?

Although I think IC is capable of going 14-2. They host SJF tomorrow, and they are 7-0 at home. They've also beaten SJF the last two seasons at home. I think they'll have trouble, but a win isn't out of the question
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 13, 2009, 07:54:18 PM
Stevens blows their shot at the regular season conference title, somehow losing to RIT, 63-62. Stevens falls to 9-4 in conference, three games behind Ithaca. Only an amazing comeback will save the Ducks now. Looks like it's Utica and IC now.
Title: Hello? People?
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 21, 2009, 09:15:29 PM
Seriously, these WBB boards are depressing...there have been 15 posts on this board this season. I realize WBB may not have the following of other sports, but man, it's been a solid season for the conference. And the other East conferences are even worse. The NEAC boards have had three posts in three years. That's just unfortunate

Are people too lazy to register/post? Is it a geography thing? The East boards are much less active than other regions

In any event, hope the Bombers can pull it out next weekend
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 22, 2009, 08:32:04 AM
Hey Bombers. I also am surprised at the lack of posts in the E8 section. The only theory I can come up with is the coaching turn over in the conference has a lot of people up in the air as to how they feel about their teams. I for one have seen enough. Elmira coaching change,for as much as I criticized former coach Donahue in the past, was not one for the better.The team DID have the talent to win,that was not the problem. As a former player I can tell you one thing that was very evident about this Elmira team, they were not prepared. I will bet there was no film work, little if any scouting. And that cannot be accepted from a new coach.Coach Howley this is a Very Competative Conference,you better be prepared. And coach you better be instructional. I see players making the same errors over and over. These are smart girls,they will learn if you teach. No excuses.If frustration comes through in my tone,that is intentional.Elmira was "in" almost every game. Nearly every game in the loss column could have been in the win.
I must thank Elmira seniors Coakley and Symonds, these girls are great reps for the school. Both played with class, thats the right word CLASS.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 22, 2009, 02:10:41 PM
Ithaca's win over RIT today clinched a tie for first place b/t IC and Utica.  The Bombers will host as they split with UC but swept Stevens whereas Utica only got a split with the Ducks.

1) Ithaca vs. 4) SJF; 2) Utica vs. 3) Stevens.  Extremely dangerous semifinal for IC as Fisher actually swept them by an average margin of 14.5 ppg and was the only team all year to win at the Bulb.  Go Bombers.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 22, 2009, 04:19:35 PM
Quote from: Caz Bombers on February 22, 2009, 02:10:41 PM
Ithaca's win over RIT today clinched a tie for first place b/t IC and Utica.  The Bombers will host as they split with UC but swept Stevens whereas Utica only got a split with the Ducks.

1) Ithaca vs. 4) SJF; 2) Utica vs. 3) Stevens.  Extremely dangerous semifinal for IC as Fisher actually swept them by an average margin of 14.5 ppg and was the only team all year to win at the Bulb.  Go Bombers.

It's funny, because part of me thought "Man, the Bombers may be better off losing the game, dealing with Stevens, letting Utica deal with SJF and taking their chances.

But good job anyway
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: downtown_swisher on February 26, 2009, 08:43:28 PM
Hi all - My first post.  IMO, instructing young women on how to play the college game is asking alot of someone who didn't play college basketball herself. 

and to agree and expand on what you mention as caution to the coach, I would add that her ability (or inability to recruit and retain quality players will be evident by year 3.   

she's been a program head for a bit now right? Her bio says Arcadia U as head, but what's her record look like- that program didn't get a conference win this year in the Middle Atlantic which is pretty competitive (messiah, lebanon valley...)


Quote from: sotier on February 22, 2009, 08:32:04 AM
Hey Bombers. I also am surprised at the lack of posts in the E8 section. The only theory I can come up with is the coaching turn over in the conference has a lot of people up in the air as to how they feel about their teams. I for one have seen enough. Elmira coaching change,for as much as I criticized former coach Donahue in the past, was not one for the better.The team DID have the talent to win,that was not the problem. As a former player I can tell you one thing that was very evident about this Elmira team, they were not prepared. I will bet there was no film work, little if any scouting. And that cannot be accepted from a new coach.Coach Howley this is a Very Competative Conference,you better be prepared. And coach you better be instructional. I see players making the same errors over and over. These are smart girls,they will learn if you teach. No excuses.If frustration comes through in my tone,that is intentional.Elmira was "in" almost every game. Nearly every game in the loss column could have been in the win.
I must thank Elmira seniors Coakley and Symonds, these girls are great reps for the school. Both played with class, thats the right word CLASS.

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 27, 2009, 11:18:54 AM
Quote from: downtown_swisher on February 26, 2009, 08:43:28 PM
Hi all - My first post.  IMO, instructing young women on how to play the college game is asking alot of someone who didn't play college basketball herself. 

and to agree and expand on what you mention as caution to the coach, I would add that her ability (or inability to recruit and retain quality players will be evident by year 3.   

she's been a program head for a bit now right? Her bio says Arcadia U as head, but what's her record look like- that program didn't get a conference win this year in the Middle Atlantic which is pretty competitive (messiah, lebanon valley...)


Quote from: sotier on February 22, 2009, 08:32:04 AM
Hey Bombers. I also am surprised at the lack of posts in the E8 section. The only theory I can come up with is the coaching turn over in the conference has a lot of people up in the air as to how they feel about their teams. I for one have seen enough. Elmira coaching change,for as much as I criticized former coach Donahue in the past, was not one for the better.The team DID have the talent to win,that was not the problem. As a former player I can tell you one thing that was very evident about this Elmira team, they were not prepared. I will bet there was no film work, little if any scouting. And that cannot be accepted from a new coach.Coach Howley this is a Very Competative Conference,you better be prepared. And coach you better be instructional. I see players making the same errors over and over. These are smart girls,they will learn if you teach. No excuses.If frustration comes through in my tone,that is intentional.Elmira was "in" almost every game. Nearly every game in the loss column could have been in the win.
I must thank Elmira seniors Coakley and Symonds, these girls are great reps for the school. Both played with class, thats the right word CLASS.


Welcome to the boards!

Re: your first post, I sort of disagree. While I think having experience playing can only help, I don't think not having playing experience is necessarily a huge roadblock. It really depends on a lot of factors but certainly, you can have a deep knowledge of the game even if you haven't played.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on February 27, 2009, 04:18:58 PM
My predictions for E8 playoffs

Women

Ithaca over Fisher
Utica tops Stevens

Utica wins the Womens title!
------------------
Mens

RIT tops UC

Ithaca beats Naz

Ithaca rolls RIT to win the mens title.
----------
I expect all the games will be close except the mens final.

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 27, 2009, 04:37:17 PM
Quote from: TheNextLevel on February 27, 2009, 04:18:58 PM
My predictions for E8 playoffs

Women

Ithaca over Fisher
Utica tops Stevens

Utica wins the Womens title!
------------------
Mens

RIT tops UC

Ithaca beats Naz

Ithaca rolls RIT to win the mens title.
----------
I expect all the games will be close except the mens final.



Naz will not hang with Ithaca on the Men's side

122-90
113-86

Those are the two games they've played already this season
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on February 28, 2009, 12:57:15 PM
It'll be the Bombers and Ducks playing for the title today - Ithaca going for its 3rd win over Stevens this season.  Maybe an at-large for Stevens (21-5) if IC (18-8) beats them?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Caz Bombers on March 01, 2009, 08:27:08 PM
Well, Stevens won...and much to my surprise, The Guru and friends have projected Ithaca as a Pool C team.  Hope they're right!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on March 11, 2009, 12:05:53 PM

As much as we all citicized Donahue, no one could say he didn't put in the time.  Perhaps to much, he over-analyzed everything.  We need a happy meduim.

As I said earlier and before the season...Elmira just didn't have the talent or the depth to compete for 40 minutes.  Losing Lawlor & Kaczynski for the 2nd semester hurt.  Howley didn't have a chance to prepare properly or recruit (hired in late August) making the transition much more difficult.   Given the roster and the circumstances, I don't think you could expect much more.  She appears to be able to coach, next year will be the key.  She will have a full year to recruit and prepare.

Coakley & Symonds will be missed, congrats to them on solid careers.
------------------

Quote from: sotier on February 22, 2009, 08:32:04 AM
Hey Bombers. I also am surprised at the lack of posts in the E8 section. The only theory I can come up with is the coaching turn over in the conference has a lot of people up in the air as to how they feel about their teams. I for one have seen enough. Elmira coaching change,for as much as I criticized former coach Donahue in the past, was not one for the better.The team DID have the talent to win,that was not the problem. As a former player I can tell you one thing that was very evident about this Elmira team, they were not prepared. I will bet there was no film work, little if any scouting. And that cannot be accepted from a new coach.Coach Howley this is a Very Competative Conference,you better be prepared. And coach you better be instructional. I see players making the same errors over and over. These are smart girls,they will learn if you teach. No excuses.If frustration comes through in my tone,that is intentional.Elmira was "in" almost every game. Nearly every game in the loss column could have been in the win.
I must thank Elmira seniors Coakley and Symonds, these girls are great reps for the school. Both played with class, thats the right word CLASS.

Quote from: Bombers798891 on February 13, 2009, 05:44:02 PM
Quote from: TheNextLevel on February 13, 2009, 03:41:09 PM
As sotier says...no surprises at the top.  I look for Utica or Stevens to win the league with  IC  on the outside looking in.  The other 6 teams are all having an up & down year...not surprising given they all have new coaches.   

After showing a lot of promise in the 1st semester, Elmira is having a tough 2nd semester.  Losing Lawlor & Kaczynski hurt...they just don't have the depth to compete for 40 minutes.  Howely didn't have a chance to prepare properly or recruit (hired in late August) making the transition much more difficult.   Given the roster and the circumstances, I don't think you could expect much more.  She appears to be able to coach, let's hope for next year...recruiting will be the key.


Quote from: sotier on February 07, 2009, 12:24:42 PM
all quiet on the E8 posting front! So I'll give it a go at the season so far (around 20 games played). The teams at the top are no surprise. Ithaca, Stevens,Utica each at 9-2 conference play . All quality teams, who will end on top is anyones guess but my money is on Utica at this point. Having seen each of them play, I think that Utica simply has more scorers. They shoot the three with acuracy and consistantcy, they have quickness and can score in the paint.There only weakness is staying focused,but playoff time their coach will  DRILL FOCUS in them.
The fourth playoff team is ...who knows,Nazareth...Fisher...Hartwick...Elmira. Only two games separate them at this point.This will be more clear as Naz and Fisher play today. The winner has a good chance of the playoffs.
Elmira is a team on the edge. Seems they can play anyone close, put a scare in both Ithaca (OT) and Utica. Games all season have been close (PF-1222, PA-1220).They are a quality win from believing they can win  and learning to close a game out.Do not believe they can make the playoffs this season, and I'm sure the top three  are glad of it, for you dont know what kind of team will show up, and that makes them dangerous.


TheNextLevel
Re: Empire Eight
« Reply #317 on: February 13, 2009, 04:41:09 pm »     

As sotier says...no surprises at the top.  I look for Utica or Stevens to win the league with  IC  on the outside looking in.  The other 6 teams are all having an up & down year...not surprising given they all have new coaches.   

After showing a lot of promise in the 1st semester, Elmira is having a tough 2nd semester.  Losing Lawlor & Kaczynski hurt...they just don't have the depth to compete for 40 minutes.  Howely didn't have a chance to prepare properly or recruit (hired in late August) making the transition much more difficult.   Given the roster and the circumstances, I don't think you could expect much more.  She appears to be able to coach, let's hope for next year...recruiting will be the key.
-----------------------------------------
     Re: Empire Eight
« Reply #289 on: May 10, 2008, 06:10:20 pm » 
   
"Lets start fresh!

Elmira is a great school!  Assuming Pat Thompson finds a good hire (she is very good AD)  EC will be a great pick for any Coach and any new recruit.  It will be a little tough for the first year (the cupboard was left a little bare) but lets hope we can return EC to the glory days of current Rochester and former Elmira coach,  Jim Scheible."


------------------------------

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on March 17, 2009, 02:53:24 PM
Thanks for your view Next Level. Hopefully longer prep time will help.Keep us informed on any potential recruits you hear of.Believe there is a good nucleus to start with next year with Rupell,Kent,Peterman. A good point is needed.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on June 01, 2009, 12:45:02 PM
Pretty quiet here...I have heard almost nothing on recruits/ commitments for the E8 schools.  I realize it was a down year in terms of the depth of HS talent, but the roster spots need to be filled, up to a point that is.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Costanza on June 09, 2009, 10:16:13 AM
This is my first post here; however, I've been a reader and fan on the message boards for sometime.  This is the first time that I found myself compelled to join the discussions.  I guess I'm just curious as to what you mean when you say it was a "down year in terms of HS talent".  Was it a down year in your town, county, state, region?  I've seen a lot of great basketball this year, and I would say that, in general, the talent pool in girls basketball is better than it ever has been.  I do realize that we may be watching different games in different areas, thus my initial question.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Ralph Turner on June 09, 2009, 10:22:37 AM
Welcome to the boards, Costanza!

Good question.  I think that you are describing two different things.

Women's basketball is getting better over the decades.  Today's college players have been playing basketball since they were pre-schoolers.  Their moves and instincts are intuitive.  That was not the case with my friends who played D-1 women's ball in the late 1980's.

We see ups-and-downs in various regions.  In my conference, the ASC, we were down, primarily because we lost the 2008 POTY (Howard Payne's Meia Daniels) and the 2008 Jostens winner (McMurry's Tarra Richardson).
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Costanza on June 09, 2009, 07:49:10 PM
Thanks for the feedback.  It does make sense that there are ebbs and flows within different conferences with regard to the strength of each conference's teams.  As players graduate, you'll always have drop offs here and there, especially when you're talking about graduating a player of the year, (as in your case).  The good thing is that there is so much talent and depth in the high school and AAU game that coaches have more opportunites to rebuild.  One look at George Fox, (I think they had ten freshman on the roster) will show that there is always hope to rebuild quickly.  I certainly am not looking for teams to rebuild to the level of a national champion, but it would seem that there is justifiable hope to rebuild to a high level of competitiveness.  Ayway, thanks for the welcome and thanks again for the feedback.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on June 11, 2009, 10:31:56 AM
I agree, there is a lot of high end talent out there, but not the depth there was 5-8 years ago, at least in the upstate NY area that make up the bulk of the players for E-8 schools. The high end talent goes DI or to the premier D3 conferences like the UAA.  The E8 conference is obviously a notch below the UAA.

That said, there are always some diamonds in the rough to be found.  Normally we have heard about them by now.  Who are they and where are they going?



Quote from: Costanza on June 09, 2009, 07:49:10 PM
Thanks for the feedback.  It does make sense that there are ebbs and flows within different conferences with regard to the strength of each conference's teams.  As players graduate, you'll always have drop offs here and there, especially when you're talking about graduating a player of the year, (as in your case).  The good thing is that there is so much talent and depth in the high school and AAU game that coaches have more opportunites to rebuild.  One look at George Fox, (I think they had ten freshman on the roster) will show that there is always hope to rebuild quickly.  I certainly am not looking for teams to rebuild to the level of a national champion, but it would seem that there is justifiable hope to rebuild to a high level of competitiveness.  Ayway, thanks for the welcome and thanks again for the feedback.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Costanza on June 11, 2009, 01:30:56 PM
Unfortunately, you have a great point about the quality and depth of talent in Upstate NY.  For further commentarty on the depth of talent one need only look at the rosters of the top NY teams in the Empire 8, (Ithaca and Utica).  Sporting a roster of 14 players Ithaca only had 2 players from NY State, while Utica,(also sporting a roster of 14), filled half of its roster with out of state athletes.  It seems that many of the better programs are hitting the road and traveling out of state to find the depth that used to exist in Upstate NY.  I would imagine that must thrill Admission Offices who are hopeful of having their college or university gain a stronger, more national reputation like that of the U of R, NYU, and other elite private colleges and university.  I guess the bottow line in all of this is that if you want your program to succeed and compete with the elite programs these days then you have to hit the road to build your program. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on October 22, 2009, 09:53:41 AM
Practice is underway!   What are the reports. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on October 31, 2009, 01:20:05 PM
Anyone see or heard about the Elmira-buffalo state scrimmage. What are the first impressions on the Elmira  team this year.My only info is that the player numbers are way down.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: JQV on November 20, 2009, 08:41:57 AM
I know there are only one or two peopl following the E8 women (and candidly, I am not one of them) but any reaction to IC hanging 102 on Hobart last night?

Is that Hobart girls' program still as strong as it was around 2000?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on November 23, 2009, 12:26:31 PM
It looks like Elmira is in for a long season.  Only 3 new players and none look to make an impact anytime soon.  No one to replace the loss of Coakley and Symonds.  Only Rupell, Kent and maybe Peterman have the talent to compete with quality d3 teams. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on December 01, 2009, 02:51:39 PM
What happened to sotiers post?   It didn't seem to warrant removal...but it must have irked someone.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 01, 2009, 07:42:11 PM
Not to worry , Next Level.I removed it by mistake while tinkering with my posts.But hey, I think you and I are the only E8 people interested in expressing views on this years teams.I hope we start getting views from other fans about their favorite team and how they are fairing. As for me,since taking a new job in the Elmira area a few back, I been watchin the Elmira teams. This years team has had a rough start both on a player and coaching level.They did show signs of offensively finding an identity in the loss to Colby-Sawyer.They play fri-sat home games, we will see what happens and report.As to ruffling feathers,I just call em as I see em. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on December 07, 2009, 08:37:04 PM
One step forward,two steps back.Thats the weekend Elmira had.In the friday game vs Naz,they played their best basketball since the arrival of coach Howley.They played with enthusiasm,they played with some structure. They played with a plan.They played with aggression offensively.They used the inside game very well. Way too often this season the bigs(Fretz,Lawlor) play too far from the hoop. Elmira's strenght is the inside game. And they showed that friday.
Take EVERYTHING they did well Against Naz, and that is what they did wrong against Hartwick. Lawlor got lazy,was content to sit outside,and not do the work to get to the hoop.Rupell has not been able to buy a basket,but she still fires it up with three players guarding her instead of kicking it out(she needs to recognize that).She has skills(great moves near basket),BUT  I question her  desire at times.Giarra will take it to the hoop,but cannot finish, so stay out and distribute already.
I have criticized Howley in the past, so I will give her credit for Naz game.She used her players well,in particular getting Lawlor to the hoop. BUT on saturday she was stubborn,she simply refused to play zone against a team whose only threat was a quick point guard.And  why abandon sending Lawlor to the hoops(if she was told to and didnt,sit her on the pine).Kent and Peterman are underused offensively. But do we run plays for them,no.  Watch your Naz film coach,have your players watch it. PLAY THAT WAY.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 04, 2010, 10:03:14 AM
I've been waiting patiently for some new posts in this thread, but I haven't seen any such thing since the last several EC games have come and gone.  I guess I'll take the opportunity to break the ice and hopefully spur some further discussion.  I will begin by saying that any transition to a new coaching staff will have its trials and tribulations, however I personally don't see Coach Howley building much at all for the future of the Women Soaring Eagles.  For the first year, I remained mute and opted to give her a legitimate chance to show what she had in the way of coaching ability and/or desire.  As this second year of her coaching winds deeply into the season, I feel that the time to stand mute has indeed passed.  Instead, I now see the team as regressing despite all the talent that many of the players possess.  It sure seems as though the Team has no desire to play to win and I cannot help but feel that this is largely the fault of poor coaching ability in combination with the girls' lack of incentive to play the game.  Although I, and others, feel that poor decisions are continually being made in the way of improper game-time player usage and/or substitutions as well as the lack of proper adjustment during game-time situations, "Coaching" is much more than game management.  In the same regard, continually losing games is not, in itself, a sign of poor coaching.  However, breeding dissention within the team may very well be a sign of the same.  There seems to be no unified harmony on the court and we have players whom had once loved the game now considering walking away from it.  This post is truly not intended to be a "coach-bashing" session, however some changes need to be made for the future of the program, and even more so, for the sake of the young women involved.   :(       
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 04, 2010, 01:39:25 PM
Quote from: sotier on December 01, 2009, 07:42:11 PM
...I think you and I are the only E8 people interested in expressing views on this years teams.I hope we start getting views from other fans about their favorite team and how they are fairing...

EC remains MY TEAM...and I am very much looking forward to any reply/rebuttal from "sotier" and "TheNextLevel" in regard to their thoughts as well !
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 06, 2010, 08:11:32 PM
EC-FAN, hello and thank you for your post. I totally agree with your view on how things are shaking out. I guess my biggest dissatisfaction with the coaching is the lack of any structure on the offense.I do not think the players have any guidance or plan on what to do when they have the ball. For instance, when was the last time you saw the point, or any other ball handler,call for any certain play to be run(answer is never). When was the last time you saw a pick set for the hot player so that she would have another scoring opportunity? I feel frustrated,I can only imagine how frustrated the girls are,over the lack of direction. And since I am at it,I will comment on the Ithaca Game.She gave up(I mean the coach). Sitting your starters for nearly the entire second have will not win you many games.And Coach Howley sittin on the bench with folded arms sends what message? It was not your players who gave up coach,IT WAS YOUR PLAYERS TAKIN ON THE COACHES DEMEANOR.
These girls love the game, and they know it well. They know when a player who is shooting a good percentage of shots ( all hard earned) in the first half, Gets no play time in the second, that something aint right. They know that a player who continues to play ,and continues to not convert, and never looks to help another player,by pass or pick,that somethin aint right.I got nothing against the replacement players, they are great girls, but look at the facts they shot 3 for 17. Coach Howley just plain dont know her players,she dont know who is havin the good game and who is not.She will read  the next days paper to find that out.
I have been watching EC basketball for awhile now, and its the first time I have seen any dissent on the players faces. They are sick of loosing,when they KNOW they are better.They are sick of inconsistant messages.
Like you EC-FAN, I will continue to go to the games and cheer whenever possible.But that dont mean I like whats going on.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 07, 2010, 04:11:04 AM
I missed the Ithaca game, but from what I heard, it was one of the poorest games yet.  I did, however, take a look at the box scores for the game and the stats really are sickening.  According to the stats, I'm assuming that you're referring to Kent as being the one shooting a good percentage of her shots in the first half (3-5 with 13 min of playing time) and then only 3 additional minutes of playing time in the second half ?  What's the deal with that ?...Like I said, a vast majority of the substitutions made by Howley are ridiculous at best !  It sure seems as though if you're hitting, you're pulled out and if the team gets on a run, she calls a time-out and ends up breaking the momentum.  I've seen this on several occasions over the past few games.  I'm really beginning to wonder if she really wants to WIN.  You are also correct on the issue of seldomly ever hearing any offensive play being called out.  It's the same player motion on nearly every offensive possession.  In regard to some of the other issues you have pointed out, I will say this...I truly feel that there are obviously some "head-games" being played by Howley so as to further breed the lack of harmony amongst the players.  I could go on and on with other issues of concern, but for now I guess I should just keep my mouth shut and try to be "politically correct."  I just hope that someone else in a higher place sees what's going on as well and takes some steps to change it.  It's a shame, for the girls' sake !!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 07, 2010, 11:43:05 AM
EC-FAN, wow posting at 4:11 ...AM!!! Now thats serious fan behavior....LOL.
Ithaca stats:
   1- Fretz was 1-4 w/ 5-5 at ft line in first...2-3 in  (5 minutes) of second.Sit her WHY?
   2- Lawlor was 2-4(2-3 at 3 pt) and 3-4 at ft line in first.Was 2-3 in (7minutes) of second. Is 5th in shooting % in E8. Sit her WHY?
   3-Kent was 3-5 in first.Was 1-1 w/1 assist in 3 minutes of second. Is 6th in shooting % in E8. Sit her Why?
   4- Kaczynski. You are down by a big amount so sit the person who is second in 3pt % in E8. Why?
   5- No problem substituting if subs play better. But  they are not  cutting the deficit by shooting 2-15(Not calling Peterman, Lawlor subs...they should be starters but thats another matter).
   6-Unwillingness to try different defenses....try a zone they seem to play it well. But Howley likes man-man so we play that.

All that negative said...Its not too late to salvage the season.E8 play is only beginning. Its fine to play Cortland and Marymount, but the games I care the most about are E8 games.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 11, 2010, 09:10:53 AM
A win for EC!! Does that mean problems no longer exsist? No, it means that a few players put in an outstanding effort to stop the loosing. It showed that when Peterman plays well and aggressive, when Ruppell puts shots IN the hoop,and when Kent is getting looks, a win is FAR more likely.The starting group was on the floor together for most of the game.No overcoaching with wholesale subs and untimely time-outs. Just put your best players(that day) on the floor,and let em play.
That said.....aw the heck with it....... they won!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 11, 2010, 09:26:57 AM
Quote from: sotier on January 07, 2010, 11:43:05 AM
...All that negative said...Its not too late to salvage the season...

Well...Hopefully the outcome of, and the intra-team cooperation shown in, the Clarkson game is a sign of better things to come for the Ladies of Elmira !!!   I concertedly hope that the salvation sotier referred to is forthcoming.  The EC women finally played well TOGETHER.  Even the spectators in the bleachers seemed less hostile and cheered positively for ALL of the players on the court.  In my humble opinion, again, some minor substitution decisions as well as a time-out or two which seemed to temporarily break the offensive momentum could have been an issue, but it all played out well.  Regardless of the known outcome of this game with the checkmark being placed in the "win-column," this game, whether it had been a win or a loss, is a WIN for EC.  As I mentioned before, the blame cannot be placed upon one, or even several, individuals for past poor performance; this is a team-sport and everyone needs to recognize their respective role in it.  Coach Howley seemed to me to be actually "In This Game."  Being the skeptic that I am, I will say this; I hope that the fact that there were four recruits present to watch the game had no bearing on the Coaches demeanor and efforts during this contest.    I also truly feel that every game for EC is an important one, whether it be an E8 contest or not.  Let's first get the winning attitude, and perhaps the conference wins will follow.  However, on this occasion, Congratulations to Coach Howley and to the Lady Soaring Eagles for a step in the right direction.  As sotier put it, hopefully "Its not too late to salvage the season..."  Hopefully, even more so, it's not too late to salvage the TEAM.    
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 12, 2010, 06:50:14 PM
I lurk on this board, but don't post much, really because it doesn't ever seem to lead to a discussion. But what the hey

Ithaca up 46-36 at the half against Utica. The winner takes the early inside track for the top spot in the conference as both teams currently sit at 4-0.

Bixby has 14 for Ithaca and Berry 16 for Utica in the shootout.

These two teams look to be the class of the conference so far. Ithaca at 9-4 (Which includes a loss to D-1 Cornell) and Utica at 10-2.

I'd have to like the Bombers chances at the top seed with a win because they'll have won on the road against Utica and Fisher. Of course, we'd still need to see what Stevens is about, but a 2-4 OOC record and a loss to Utica suggests maybe they're not quite at that level.

Berry looks to be the top player in the conference, and the Pioneers have a nice 1-2 punch with her and Croll.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 12, 2010, 07:31:18 PM
Ithaca holds off Utica 68-63. Pioneers took the lead in the 2nd half, but Bombers do just enough to win. Bixby leads IC with 19 and Berry goes for 29 in the loss.

I thought Utica made an interesting decision to not foul after missing a shot with 59 seconds to go down five. I don't know if Ithaca was in the double bonus at the time, but the Pioneers elected to play defense despite Ithaca going a mere 7-13 from the line. Although they got a stop, they didn't get the ball back until there were 29 seconds remaining, which forced two quick three pointers, both of which were missed.

I might have tried to foul to extend the game, hoped Ithaca missed and saved myself as much time as possible. It would have been unlikely, but I thought it was strange.

Regardless, the Bombers move to 10-4 overall and 5-0 in conference play. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 13, 2010, 08:11:32 AM
Thank you bombers for the info. Utica and Ithaca certainly are two very good teams.They have multiple ways of scoring and both have good team speed. They are a pleasure to watch.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 13, 2010, 09:16:10 AM
Watching Alfred last night was like watching EC of 3 seasons ago.Quick on both ends of the floor,crisp passing,offensive flow,defensive pressure. They played with confidence and swagger.I commend their coaching staff for turning around a program that was recently looked at as a quick win for opposing teams.
Just the opposite for the EC program.I will not go into the many reasons why ( see earlier posts ). Coach Howleys pregame Radio interview said all I needed to know. When she basicly blames the lackluster season on the inconsistant guard play, while saying consistant post play is their strength, tells me alot. She may be right,but to throw your players under the bus.... not good.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: jakhogan on January 13, 2010, 09:30:07 AM
WHOA !!!  I missed any such Pre-game Radio interview of Howley. What exactly did she say? You wouldn't know where I could find a copy of the interview, would ya' ?  Now I'm interested.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: jakhogan on January 13, 2010, 09:53:34 AM
Elmira needs to make Donahue an offer he can't refuse and get him back here yesterday already!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on January 13, 2010, 10:58:24 AM
Congrats to the girls on their win over Clarkson...but unfortunately it did not translate to a win over Alfred...a team the should be able to compete with.
We gave Coach Howely a break the first year because was hired late and no chance to recruit...but she failed to bring in anything this year either.  Recruiting is everything in college hoops.  As we all know, she was not the schools first choice,  so maybe the search should begin early to get a better pool of candidates.  Donahue was a very good recruiter and manipulated the schedule, which made up for his other shortcomings.  But remember he had losing seasons 3 of his 5 years at Elmira and underachieved in all of them.  The only time he won were the 2 seasons with Erika DeSanty as the assistant coach.  She was a better coach then he was.  When she left, even with the weaker schedule, he went back to a sub 500 season with some very good players.  Again, there a very few quality coaches in D3, the few that are move up the ladder quickly, thus the abilty to recruit quality student athletes is everything. A coach like Jim Scheible doesn't come around very often.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on January 13, 2010, 11:03:22 AM
I agree, it wil come down to Ithaca and Utica with Berry as PoY.  With the road win by Ithaca they have the inside track on the regular season title, but I  look for Utica to win the tournament.


Quote from: Bombers798891 on January 12, 2010, 07:31:18 PM
Ithaca holds off Utica 68-63. Pioneers took the lead in the 2nd half, but Bombers do just enough to win. Bixby leads IC with 19 and Berry goes for 29 in the loss.

I thought Utica made an interesting decision to not foul after missing a shot with 59 seconds to go down five. I don't know if Ithaca was in the double bonus at the time, but the Pioneers elected to play defense despite Ithaca going a mere 7-13 from the line. Although they got a stop, they didn't get the ball back until there were 29 seconds remaining, which forced two quick three pointers, both of which were missed.

I might have tried to foul to extend the game, hoped Ithaca missed and saved myself as much time as possible. It would have been unlikely, but I thought it was strange.

Regardless, the Bombers move to 10-4 overall and 5-0 in conference play. Good stuff.

I agr
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 13, 2010, 02:30:36 PM
jakhogan..The interview was by the radio broadcasting the game coverage.As to Donahue, he was good at times but im more interested in moving forward.Next level was right about former assistant DeSanty...note to athletic advisor,find her see if she is interested in head coach job. They would be better for it.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 14, 2010, 08:37:58 AM
I'd have to agree with jakhogan (to a certain extent) and even more so with TheNextLevel...I feel that Matt Donahue was a fine coach and an excellent person; In contrast, I feel that Erika DeSanty was an excellent coach and a fine person.  The combination of both of them made for a good coaching staff for EC.  Either, or both, of them offered more to the EC program than Howley has or ever will.  As I mentioned before, season win-loss records are not all that important to me...To me, it's much more important that the coaching staff have not only an understanding of "The Game," but also a through understanding of, and a certain bond with, their players.  After the past two seasons, it's evident to me that Howley possesses neither of those qualities.  Furthermore, EC's current practice of constantly rotating in a Grad Student Assistant Coach every two years is a joke in itself.  How could any coach build a program around that ?  As sotier put it, I am also more concerned with "moving forward," as are (obviously) the fans and parents in the stands.               



Quote from: sotier on January 13, 2010, 02:30:36 PM
...note to athletic advisor,find her see if she is interested in head coach job. They would be better for it.

Sotier...Hmmm...Perhaps that wouldn't be a bad thing for Director of Athletics to be made aware of, huh ?               
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: jakhogan on January 14, 2010, 10:49:06 AM
With a yearly tuition and fees cost of $45,600.00 per student and a total enrollment of students around 1,200 (almost $55 million on that alone), I can't quite understand how Elmira can't afford to search for and hire decent coaches!  Up til lately, my daughter considered Elmira as an option.  She is an excellent student and even a better athlete who won't be going to Elmira.   
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 14, 2010, 08:29:04 PM
jakhogan.... That is the very response that worries me most.Though college athletics are only part of the equation in selecting a place for the next years of a student life,it is definately an important (for many) part. To get that response from a prospective student athletes parent should get the attention of any athletic director,and indeed any college administrator. It takes time to build a programs reputation, and a season or in this case two to destroy it. I am past the age of having a college student to worry about, but if I were asked by a prospective student athlete my opinion on playing ball for EC, I do not think I could currently recommend it. For any good athlete wants not only to play their sport, but they wish to improve their play.The current staff is doing nothing to help these players get better, and in many cases just the opposite.When a player makes a mistake and is taken out of a game there is no conversation on the bench.No instruction,no teaching, just bench time.My experience as a player and avid hoops observer is that often the best lessons are taught in only a few second time explaining an error on the bench,then get em back in the game.The current head coach is not just a bad basketball coach, she has shown by all accounts to be a bad teacher. For isn't that what a coach is , a basketball TEACHER. Any college is only as good as its teachers, and this teacher is failing her students.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 14, 2010, 08:41:57 PM
By the way EC-FAN and others, Erica DeSanty is currently working as head womens golf coach at Williams college in Mass.  She led her team to  nationally ranked 7th place in adjusted stroke average. She is simply a quality individual, and I hope she knows that her quality was recognized here by EC fans.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 16, 2010, 11:41:08 PM
Bombers hold off Stevens 62-59. Amazingly, Stevens goes 0-5 from the line in the 2nd half and just 5-13 for the game. Stevens' men and women went a combined 14-33 from the free throw line in their losses today. Absolutely staggering.

Fuller's 17-7 lead Stevens. Klie has 12-9 and three block for the Bombers.

Ithaca is now 7-0 in conference and has the inside track to the top seed in the E8 tournament.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 19, 2010, 09:18:23 PM
Bombers and Tigers play an abysmal first half of basketball, marred by turnovers, missed shots, and just overall sloppy play.

In the first half, Ithaca has six field goals. RIT has eight. The Bombers lead 9-2 with 15:13 to go in the half, and score four points over the next 14 minutes. Amazingly, RIT only leads by five at that point.

The second half was relatively normal and the Bombers wound up with a respectable 61 points, once they started being aggressive and attacking the hoop. It turned out to be an ok game, but that first half was borderline unwatchable.

At the end, Katherine Bixby took over with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Klie nearly posts a triple double with 14 points, 9 steals and 7 assists.. Ithaca now 8-0 in conference, and is still looking good for the one seed in the tourney
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 23, 2010, 04:55:07 PM
Bombers take out SJF with ease, now 9-0 in conference....

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 25, 2010, 11:53:11 AM
I really don't know what else to say other than I am ecstatic to see that the EC women hung in there and got their first conference WIN over R.I.T. this weekend !!!  After the Nazareth game on the Friday before that, I was beginning to wonder if the wins would ever come to fruition.  The Lady Soaring Eagles played with purpose and all-out desire for the first half of the Naz game until going into the locker room with a 15 point lead.  Everything seemed to be "clicking" for EC until they re-emerged from the locker room for the second half.  It just leaves me wondering, WHAT IN THE HECK was discussed over that half-time break ???  It sure as heck was not game strategy that was discussed, since within a mere five minutes, that lead was cut down to 3 points (a 12-0 opening run by Nazareth).  I just cannot fathom the thought of what could have caused a "Team-on-fire" to just come out and give up like that.  Nazareth obviously went into the break with the sole purpose of making the necessary adjustments to turn the game around and they did just that !  In that regard, I tip my hat to Coach Gotham of Nazareth !  Why did it take the first five EC possessions under a full-court-press to make ANY adjustment to that press whatsoever ?  For God's sake, in the very least, an EC time-out would have been the very least that should have been done to re-gather your team before that commanding lead was squandered away to nothing !!!  How is it even possible to accept that it took those five possessions to make the decision to put in a legitimate and capable ball-handler to even begin an effort to combat that press ???  THIS GAME SHOULD HAVE BEEN A WIN FOR EC, BUT WAS THROWN AWAY !!!  Even within the closing 10-15 seconds of the game (when the win was still accessible), why would any coach willfully pi$$ away a dreadfully important 7 seconds on the clock when EC was only a single 3-pointer away from tying up the game in the closing seconds of the game ???  In that case, it actually took an observant benched senior to actually call that necessary time-out in order to even give EC a shot at saving face.  I am far from one who knows all there is to know about the game of basketball, but I do know that there is far too much talent on this team that is not being used wisely.  My only wish is that these very fine AND VERY TALENTED young ladies somehow put aside their differences and come together with the coaching staff and accomplish what is easily within their grasp !!!  It will take a concerted effort BY ALL involved to again make the game enjoyable and fun for all !!!  It truly turns my stomach to see what may be in store for the EC 2010-11 season if and when some of those talented key players decide not to return to the court.  Once again, CONGRATULATIONS to the EC Women on their win over R.I.T.  We, the fans, see the true potential in our EC Athletes, but only those athletes and their Coaches can exploit those talents and desires to turn this program around into a WINNING situation for all those involved.  In closing, wins vs. losses mean nothing to me...A Winning Program merely means that everyone involved is on the same page and is in search of THE SAME GOAL !!!           
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 25, 2010, 08:04:55 PM
EC-FAN...very well said !!  These are a group of talented players.When properly placed,on both ends,can play with anyone. Should have FAR more wins than currently posted. The Naz loss is a killer!!  There is much parity,or mediocraty, in the E8, and a 4th place E8 was not out of reach. To squander a 15 point half time lead, at this point of the season is unacceptable.That was the game to turn this team and season around. That was the game to say, "We are a team you must play your best to beat".But how can we expect the team to focus,when the coach is so busy  complaining to officials, stomping feet,that a crucial time out is nearly not called.But the real sad part is that it should not have reached that  critical point.Abandoning what got you that lead defensively,and not preparing your team to handle a press offensively,determined that games final result before the halftime lead was lost.
Title: Re: Empire Eight/Elmira College
Post by: hoopster12 on January 27, 2010, 05:57:55 PM
A quick comment concerning the viewpoints on Elmira Women's Basketball.

The few true things stated are that this group is not succeeding as well as they should. They have lost games they should have won. The combinations are not what I, as a fan or as a program supporter, would like to see. And perhaps the coach bears some responsibility in these areas.

However, how dedicated are these athletes? How hard do they commit to greatness beyond the alotted practice time? How do they motivate one another? Are they a jealous group? Do they gossip about their teammates and bring down their team by doing so? Are the critics of the program, who appear to be parents, genuinely challenging their daughters to go above and beyond or do they allow the minimum effort and blame the rest on the coach? After all, Elmira is an expensive school that requires a lot from the students academically...

To me, it sounds like nonsense. If I had a daughter looking for a great place to play and learn, I would place her there in a heartbeat. I would have no second thoughts about it. but then again, I do have a daughter there and any lackluster performance from her, on or off the court, is primarily her responsibility.

I do not regret the decision to go with Elmira even though our daughter had many other choices coming out of high school. I am not wondering if she had only gone to that other school...

And I am not going to go on this site and discourage incoming freshman from commiting to this school or this program. We have talent, but there is some question as to the "heart"  of these athletes. To that I agree.

Where is their heart? Where is there absolute commitment to being the best athlete they can be?

I think that left the moment they could complain to their parents and their parents did not tell them to suck it up and play hard. (Perhaps they told them to suck it up and play hard BUT>>>, but also allowed the player to know that the parents really had no faith in the coach).

A player should embrace their role. Make your teammates better. Drag them to the gym on the off-day and practice weaknesses. If your shot isn't going in the hole, go shoot. If you keep passing the ball to a player with a different jersey, you should practice the plays with your teammates. Learn their quircks and tendencies. I have told my daughter that until she is willing to commit to this, her team will not be very good. PERIOD.

Be an athlete. A college athlete where maturity matters and mommy and daddy get out of the way.

Talent without effort, work ethic or heart, is like a smart guy who is lazy and has no common sense.

I KNOW THIS IS AMERICA AND YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO SPEAK YOUR MIND, BUT...

My daughter still has time left at Elmira. So please do me a favor. If you do not like the team, keep it to yourself. because before she is done, she will be wearing the Purple and Gold to the NCAA tournament. And Howley will be there to coach her. I am convinced we have the right coach, the right talent, but our mental make-up is not there.

Who do I see about that? If you say the coach, I would tend to disagree. Most of our girls were not recruited by Howley. So we created these kids not her. I say we ask our girls how often they get together to work out without the coach. How often do we shoot 100-200 shots in the gym after practice? How much extra effort are our daughters giving to the cause - and if the answer is little to none, I say we will then have the root of our problems identified.

Here is my last statement/prediction; This team is poised to play strong down the stretch. With some effort and a litte luck they can still get into the play-offs for the Elite 8. If we do that, watch out. Because we are the best 2 win team in America and stranger things have happened.

Believe! Work hard! Help each other! Do more than you are asked to do! Together Everyone Achieves More - TEAM.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 28, 2010, 12:04:39 AM
hoopster12.....First off it is the Empire8..not the Elite 8.But I realize its hard to read with blinders on your eyes. All of the EC posters  want nothing more than for the program to succeed.We have the future of the EC program at heart.But lets face the truth here, a team of talented ..and I believe hard working players have underachieved. To ignore that... does not solve the problem,either now or in the future. You say...mommy and daddy should  tell them to "suck it up", that they should be mature adults,work at improving their game.Fair enough, but I am not sure but what that Is happenning. For even at 2-14 I still see effort.You say the players should be working on their own to improve weaknesses. I agree, But who tells them what their weaknesses are? The parents....they are supposed to stay out of it and let them be "mature college players".How about the coaching staff...since you have the inside info....tell me this....how many IN season conferences has your daughter had to evaluate her play and to help her focus on game weaknesses that need improvement? So what is the role of the coach...I guess not motivator....I guess not preparedness....I guess not to install togetherness...for according to you that is player responsibility. Listen, I hope coach Howley can lead this team back from the brink. And I agree, this team is poised to make a run at some wins.These players are hungry for wins , they are begging to be led in the right direction.You can see it in their faces.The only question is...who is going to lead them.If its coach Howley...I say good for her, And I will give her due credit.
P.S.
  Very Good post hoopster12. For even though I disagree with much of your views I respect your right to make them. Just one thing though...not all posters are parents....some of us are long term fans who are concerned with the current situation at a program we have long supported !!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 28, 2010, 09:23:01 AM
In response to hoopster12's post, let me say this...I do agree with many of the points you made in your post inclusive of the fact that the coach bears some of the responsibility in those areas in which our team is not succeeding.  I do also agree that the players themselves bear a share of that blame as well.  However, for those of us concerned about the direction of the program to be labelled by you as a "critic of the program" and, in your own opinion as the only "program supporter," only blaming the coach for its failures, you could not be more wrong.  Although there have been many recurring coaching faux pas pointed out in recent posts, there have also been inconsistencies and weaknessnesses (as well as strengths) of certain players brought to discussion in past posts.  In my prior post, I said this...

"We, the fans, see the true potential in our EC Athletes, but only those athletes and their Coaches can exploit those talents and desires to turn this program around into a WINNING situation for all those involved. In closing, wins vs. losses mean nothing to me...A Winning Program merely means that everyone involved is on the same page and is in search of THE SAME GOAL !!!" 

  I stand by that statement and will not hide behind any of the comments or posts that I have made to this point.  Conversely, I just wonder how a first-time poster on these forums is able to have an email address of "hidden."


Quote from: Pat Coleman on March 27, 2008, 10:05:41 PM
Welcome to the D3sports.com message board. Post up your opinions about Division III sports here...
...Here is what is permissible and what isn't.
1. ...Repeat offenders are subject to banning from the system. (That goes for any of the rules laid out on this page.) We also currently require your valid e-mail address in order to get a username and password, and said e-mail address must be displayed on your profile. This is written into the software. [added 02/01/02, modified 10/26/04]...
8. ...Here's a hint -- people will see your e-mail address...[added 10/26/04]

Regardless, I respect your views and opinions as just that.  I think we all are looking for the same thing in the end.  Keep on posting.   
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 28, 2010, 09:37:15 AM
...OOPS...Sorry, I hadn't been logged on when I checked hoopster12's profile and thus the email address was hidden...My mistake and I apologize !
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: hoopster12 on January 28, 2010, 10:29:33 AM
Quickly and finally, I have no idea why my e mail address was hidden.

I did not think I said, nor do I endeavor to imply, that I am the ONLY fan or that you are soley a critic. We all want to see Elmira succeed. I know you are a fan with concerns, I just do not think this is an appropriate place to air such issues.

If our goal is to create a better environment and a winning program, I suggest we deal with such issues from within. Speak to our coach or the athletic director.

If you discover my e mail address, give me a shout and we can go have a beer.

Other than that, I am done. My time on this ridiculous site is finished. I will not be posting again.

Enjoy.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 28, 2010, 11:27:57 AM
I'm truly sorry you feel that way...As you said, We all want the same thing...to see Elmira succeed !  Why don't we turn this thread around and post some positives about what we expect to see from the Ladies of Elmira this weekend against Hartwick and Utica ?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: kate on January 28, 2010, 02:35:39 PM
Hoopster 12, i full well realize that i probably have no business commenting on your last post, but i hope you'll come to know that long after your player has graduated, D3 Hoops forum is the thread that keeps us all together.  Over the past 12 years of being an ardent D3 fan, i've learned sooo much, been to many wonderful colleges, & most importantly, made many great friends among parents, coaches, & fellow fans.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 29, 2010, 10:10:56 AM
WELL SAID, Kate !!!  ;)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on January 30, 2010, 10:12:25 PM
Credit where credit is due.Coach Howley did a good job this weekend.Played a defense that suits this teams personnel.Time outs and substitutions in a timely manner. Allowing the players to build some cohesiveness on the friday hartwick game was needed. Even though things did not go as well against Utica, I believe she was into the game.Saw Coach Howley on numberous ocassions giving instruction on the sideline,and encouraging players.On the whole, things were  on the positive side this weekend.Something to build on.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on January 31, 2010, 11:04:28 AM
The Friday game against Hartwick was indeed a pleasure to watch.  This was by far the best game of the season for EC.  The girls played with obvious desire and effort and they seemed to be led well by the coaching staff.  Everyone involved played well together truly showing what can be accomplished through teamwork.  I, for one, am thoroughly impressed by how well and consistent EC is now shooting from the FT line.  In this game, there were a lot of good inside looks and not a whole lot of wasted shots.  The defense was strong and was even switched up a bit by Coach Howley.  It genuinely appeared as though the team was having fun on the court.  I'm not sure what happened in the Saturday game against Utica ???  Once again, too many offensive throw-aways and generally sloppy play.   
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 05, 2010, 09:14:05 PM
Stevens upsets Utica and Bombers roll...

Ithaca now 11-0 in conference and with a two-game lead, might have put the locks on it. Utica's only hope now might be Stevens beating IC and then, if the Pioneers beat the Bombers, winning it via a tiebreak
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: sotier on February 06, 2010, 09:50:38 AM
EC-SJF game was a good one. Exciting and fun to watch. A "basketball fans" sort of game.This was not a game of highlite reel shots,but a game of toughness and execution.Perhaps the best offensive flow to EC game all year.Good movement without the ball led to chances on the drive and backcuts.A gritty defense  gave SJF very few easy looks.However when given the easy looks SJF, to their credit, made them count.Some EC fans seemed to not be happy with the continued Zone defense,played by coach Howley.But just think back,EC started playing better when they switched to that "D". I believe it is the defense that gives EC the best chance to win. I also believe Howley has reached the same conclusion.They are getting consistent stops and extra turnovers playing the zone...keep it up.Howley score this game ....B  to a B+  . I would give you an "A" if you could get your  "BIG" girls to kick the ball out when they have 4 defenders on them. Thats called "team" ball.The fact that a couple players "refuse" to recognize that continues to be a detriment offensively.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 08, 2010, 06:30:46 PM
Quote from: sotier on February 06, 2010, 09:50:38 AM
EC-SJF game was a good one. Exciting and fun to watch. A "basketball fans" sort of game.This was not a game of highlite reel shots,but a game of toughness and execution.Perhaps the best offensive flow to EC game all year.Good movement without the ball led to chances on the drive and backcuts.A gritty defense  gave SJF very few easy looks.However when given the easy looks SJF, to their credit, made them count.Some EC fans seemed to not be happy with the continued Zone defense,played by coach Howley.But just think back,EC started playing better when they switched to that "D". I believe it is the defense that gives EC the best chance to win. I also believe Howley has reached the same conclusion.They are getting consistent stops and extra turnovers playing the zone...keep it up.Howley score this game ....B  to a B+  . I would give you an "A" if you could get your  "BIG" girls to kick the ball out when they have 4 defenders on them. Thats called "team" ball.The fact that a couple players "refuse" to recognize that continues to be a detriment offensively.

Changing your email address to a non-existent email gets you locked out of the system. Please email me with a valid email address.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on February 10, 2010, 11:23:18 AM
Glad to see the Elmira Women are starting to play better.  Congratulations on your recent wins...lets hope they continue.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on February 15, 2010, 09:18:04 AM
VENTING TIME...In my book, and in many others,' there is a world of difference between constructive criticism and outright under-handed rudeness of comment made to individual players of the game.   
Recently, a "fan" had been observed obviously planning the timing of his/her exit from a recent road game to coincide with a certain player's entry into the gymnasium after the game.  That person then proceeded to mutter guided and improper comments to other nearby fans with the obvious and specific intent of having them being overheard by this certain player.  I will not get into the specific comment(s) made and witnessed by many, but I will say this...Grow up, Shut up, or Stay Home.  I/We support ALL of our players, win or lose.


Quote from: old 40 on September 25, 2007, 08:23:57 PM
...Let's discuss (sports) in a positive way, sometimes kidding each other with no disrespect...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on February 15, 2010, 09:25:31 AM
If you watch them play, you have to like Ithaca's team.If you like ball movement,player movement, unselfish play,and top that with deadly shooting all that is in Ithacas game. Every local high school coach(both boys and girls) should take his or her team to watch them play. For every team should aspire to play like that.
Thank you to the EC seniors for your dedication to the team. All four of you are quality individuals.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 15, 2010, 11:07:21 AM
Bombers have a chance to go 16-0 in conference play for the first time in E8 history. Amazing stuff.

Is it just mean, or does the E8 seem down this year as a whole? You've got IC and Utica and then a just ok Stevens and Fisher team. Ithaca's 15-0 in conference and has really only been challenged a couple of times. Obviously, the Bombers are good, but I can't shake the feeling that there's just not a lot of tough games in the conference.

This may be Raymond's best team ever (and that's saying something). 20-4 with losses to D-1AA Cornell, #2 Kean (Which has only lost to Rutgers)  19-3 Cortland (A team IC beat) and 16-6 St. Lawrence.

It'll be interesting to see what happens next year. They're only graduating two players, albeit probably their two best.

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on February 15, 2010, 11:37:54 AM
Bombers....I also believe this is a down year for the E8. Although EC is in last place in the E8, Ithaca is the only team they have played where I felt that even on our best day we could not beat them.IC is ,this year at least, all alone at the top,with  UC a step or two back , and all the rest in a bunch of "win or lose to each other at any night" grouping.Though IC loses only two players this year,they are the two key players,and will be tough to find replacements to bring to the table what they do. That said,IC now is the time to take a NCAA run to represent the E8 in fine fashion.They have the kind of team that can go far in playoffs.good luck!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on February 18, 2010, 10:51:10 AM
I agree, it is a down year in the E8 as well as the Liberty League and SUNYAC. Rochester,  Cortland and Ithaca are the class of upstate NY womens hoop this year with Utica in the discusion only because of the play of Jesscia Berry.


Quote from: SOTIER1 on February 15, 2010, 11:37:54 AM
Bombers....I also believe this is a down year for the E8. Although EC is in last place in the E8, Ithaca is the only team they have played where I felt that even on our best day we could not beat them.IC is ,this year at least, all alone at the top,with  UC a step or two back , and all the rest in a bunch of "win or lose to each other at any night" grouping.Though IC loses only two players this year,they are the two key players,and will be tough to find replacements to bring to the table what they do. That said,IC now is the time to take a NCAA run to represent the E8 in fine fashion.They have the kind of team that can go far in playoffs.good luck!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Costanza on February 18, 2010, 12:39:41 PM
I often read these message boards and find myself amused by the critical analysis of people who spend their lives doing things other than coaching.  Level and Sotier, how many games have you really watched in the state of NY.  To say that this is a down year in Upstate NY as well as your league, (the Empire 8), and that Utica is only in the discussion " only because of the play of Jess Berry " is absurd at best.  There are a lot of great teams in Upstate NY.  First, Coach Davis is an outstanding coach and has done a great job making Utica a title contender each year.  In terms of Berry, she is a great talent and perhaps the best player in the league, but with out the play of Devin Croll each night she may not even touch the ball.  Croll might be the most underrated player in that league.  Berry is an all-conference, all-region, and potentially all-american forward, but with out a great guard like Croll, she may not even touch the ball.

Furthermore, to say that there are only three class teams in the region is to diminish the job that so many fine coaches have done, but why should that surprise me.  You have both spent far too much time posting on this board ripping, judging, and evaluating coaches and teams. Neither one of you has ever held the clip board on a collegiate sideline, and neither one of you has any comprehension as to what it takes to build a college program.  I'm not saying that I possess that comprehension either, but I'm also not spending my time on this site ripping coaches and players.  Instead, I will continue to watch, support, and cheer for my favorite upstate team and appreciate the fact that my daughter gets to do something that thousands of other kids don't get to do:  Wear a college basketball jersey. 

I suggest you both do some reevalutaing and take the creed of this site's founder and "discuss sports in a positive manner".  I'm sure that my post will be met with ridicule and scorn, but I don't care.  Besides, what else could I expect out of a cow farmer from Cooperstown, NY and an insurance salesman from Elmira,NY! ;D
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 18, 2010, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: Costanza on February 18, 2010, 12:39:41 PM
I often read these message boards and find myself amused by the critical analysis of people who spend their lives doing things other than coaching.  Level and Sotier, how many games have you really watched in the state of NY.  To say that this is a down year in Upstate NY as well as your league, (the Empire 8), and that Utica is only in the discussion " only because of the play of Jess Berry " is absurd at best.  There are a lot of great teams in Upstate NY.  First, Coach Davis is an outstanding coach and has done a great job making Utica a title contender each year.  In terms of Berry, she is a great talent and perhaps the best player in the league, but with out the play of Devin Croll each night she may not even touch the ball.  Croll might be the most underrated player in that league.  Berry is an all-conference, all-region, and potentially all-american forward, but with out a great guard like Croll, she may not even touch the ball.

Furthermore, to say that there are only three class teams in the region is to diminish the job that so many fine coaches have done, but why should that surprise me.  You have both spent far too much time posting on this board ripping, judging, and evaluating coaches and teams. Neither one of you has ever held the clip board on a collegiate sideline, and neither one of you has any comprehension as to what it takes to build a college program.  I'm not saying that I possess that comprehension either, but I'm also not spending my time on this site ripping coaches and players.  Instead, I will continue to watch, support, and cheer for my favorite upstate team and appreciate the fact that my daughter gets to do something that thousands of other kids don't get to do:  Wear a college basketball jersey.  

I suggest you both do some reevalutaing and take the creed of this site's founder and "discuss sports in a positive manner".  I'm sure that my post will be met with ridicule and scorn, but I don't care.  Besides, what else could I expect out of a cow farmer from Cooperstown, NY and an insurance salesman from Elmira,NY! ;D

Costanza,

While I won't take issue with the coaching debate, I will take issue with this: This is a down year in the East/Empire 8 for women.

Want proof the East Region is down? Look at the regional rankings

The top Atlantic region team is #2 in the Top 25 poll
The top Central region team is #3
The Top Great Lakes region team is #4
The Top mid-Atlantic region team is #18
The Top Northeast region team is #1
The top South region team is #12
The top West region team is #5
The top East region team is unranked (or 32nd). The highest-ranked East Region team is 30th

What does that tell you?

The Bombers are 20-4 (With a loss to D-1AA Cornell and #2 Kean), have won 15 in a row are top ranked in the East Region and they're not even sniffing the Top 25.

Utica is 6th in the East Region as of the recent regional rankings and I think while right now, they would get in as an at-large team, some upsets in conference play and another loss on their parts might make it a dicey proposition.

No-one else in the conference would even merit consideration for the NCAA's as an at-large bid team right now. Stevens? Maybe, if they ran the table till the finals of the E8 tournament, but even then, they're 18-9 and that got Ithaca left out of the Tournament last season. And then of course, that would hurt Utica's chances

There's a difference between being negative and being realistic. We can debate what qualifies as "good" or "class" all day long, but looking at how the teams are ranked provides a clue.

In general however, your impassioned defense of coaches is nice, and yeah, I'm sure the coaches in charge of all the E8 programs know more about coaching than most of us on the boards put together. But there are plenty of hard-working, intelligent coaches and players out there. And they don't all represent great teams. Yes, this is D-III sports, and there's, in many ways less of an emphasis on winning then there may be at a D-1 school on an institutional level. But there's nothing that says we can't judge a team by wins and losses and rankings. If people are frustrated about a team's lack of success, there's nothing wrong with being critical.

"Discussion" of sports can include reasonable, fact-based criticism of teams/players.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 18, 2010, 02:58:17 PM
And I say that of my previous post in the general sense. I have no clue about the inner-workings of Elmira women's basketball and why they're struggling and whether the criticism is unfair/unfounded.

All I know about Elmira is that three years ago, theywas 21-5 heading into a E8 title game at home. Now, they are likely to finish 4-21. That would be a disappointing turnaround, and fans are allowed to be frustrated by that.

I'd also say that, since Jessica Berry is responsible for about 33% of Utica's scoring, 25% of its rebounding, 25% of its steals and half of its blocks, led them in scoring 17 of their 23 games and rebounds in 14 of their 23 that yeah, it's fair to say Utica wouldn't be where they were without her. She's their best player. Is she their only good player? No. But take her away and Utica's not 18-5.

Just like the Bombers aren't 20-4 without Bixby. Again, there's a difference between being negative and accepting reality
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Costanza on February 18, 2010, 03:32:11 PM
Bombers,

I absolutely appreciate your response and statistical analysis of the different regions.  That is an argument that makes sense!  I also do agree that it is okay to be critical of a team; however, when all you do is negatively critique teams in a particular region or coaches in a particular region then you get a reputation as a bit of a whiner. 

Having said that, and having looked over your posts through time, it should be noted that your posts are usually posititve and ballanced.  By no means was I critiquing your recent or past posts.  I also have no idea as to the inner workings of Elmira College athletics either , and I don't know if their coach is good or not.  I've seen four elmira games in the past two years and the teams always seem to compete hard.

With regard to Utica and Jess Berry.  I actually believe that Berry is the best player in the Emire 8.  My only feeling was that it takes more than that to win.  Who broght Berry to Utica?  Who has designed a system to showcase her talents?  Who has put players around that star to make her even better?  Additionally, how about the players around her?  They accept and appreciate her.  They want her to be great.  They want to win.  Simply put, no one person wins or loses a game.  Everyone has a hand in it at the end of the day.  You need head coaches, assistant coaches, role players, star players, etc.  I've seen a lot of teams with a singular star player go no where because everyone wasnt' on the same page.

Your Bombers are a great example of a team with a star, great coaching, a great supporting staff and a team with everyone on the same page.  While Bixby is an absolute stud, where would Ithaca be without Coach Raymond, the assistant coaches who work so hard to continue to build a quality program?  Where would they be without Brown or Klie?  Finally, where would they be without an athletic administration that clearly cares about winning?  In my humble oppinion there's a lot of hands contributing to that success and all too ofter we as fans find ourselves complaining about one person or one aspect instead of appreciating all of the efforts being put forth.

As for Ithaca in the region and national picture, I wouldn't be surprised if they make a run in the NCAA tournament.  as you noted they lost to the #2 team in the country by 13 points, (by no means a blow out), on their home court in November.  I will be excited to see how they fair in the big dance. 

Finally, I appreciate the freindly and positive debate that your provided and the statistical support to back it up.  I look forward to many more discussions.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 18, 2010, 07:37:43 PM
I think you're right that it takes more than Jess Berry to win, and yes, coaches put in a system that takes advantage of players.

But I still believe the comment that Utica wouldn't be where they were without her was fair. Certain teams have certain players they just can't do without. Some teams are more balanced than others and could survive better sans their best player. Ithaca could probably survive without Bixby better than Utica could survive without Berry.

Ultimately, there's a line to draw when it comes to complaining about coaches, but I think a lot of us, at this level criticize the coaches and not the players. Whether that's fair or not is a whole other debate, but it's part of the job. We can judge whether or not the EC talk crossed a line on our own. I respect your opinion about that.

I guess the problem I had with your original post was the attitude of--and I'm paraphrasing-- "Well, you guys aren't coaches, so who are you to criticize?" While I agree that casual fans don't have the knowledge of a D-III coach, that's an idea I've never been on board with.

I'm not a cook, but I know what a burnt steak tastes like. I'm not an actor, but I can tell the difference between good acting and bad acting. Everyone does it, but yet in athletics, athletes and coaches especially tend to take exception to it. Do we tell people that they can't say "I really didn't like Avatar" unless they produce and direct a movie? No. Can we say "I didn't like that book; it was dull and predictable," without having written a novel? Of course.

So why for so many, does "I don't think they're a very good coach" (Again, I say this in the general sense, not specifically the complaints directed at Elmira) merit a "Yeah, like you could do any better?"

If your issue is simply with the frequency of the complaints/criticism of the coaches or region, then that's one thing. But it seemed, to me anyway, that you seemed to be upset that people were complaining or being critical at all, which bothered me.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on February 18, 2010, 09:37:06 PM
Just taking a time out from selling insurance and feeding my cows.....as I leave my home  "livin in a trailer down by the river". No...not gonna respond to Constanza, cause it sounds to me that he is one of those folks who gets a slanted point of view in their head and all the talking, both sensible and non-sensible, just aint gonna change it. Other points of view must be wrong cause we dont coach, cause we dont play, and because we dont watch as much hoops as he does. Whatever....every coach is great,every program is well run, every conference is ALWAYS at the top,no player is a difference maker...maybe we should not even keep score so there are no  hurt feelings. Enough for now my cows are mooing and a policy is waiting to be sold.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Costanza on February 18, 2010, 10:07:53 PM
Bomber,

I love a well thought out argument, especially when it's presented in a positive manner.  I agree with the idea that one doesn't need to be a chef to know a burnt steak when she sees one.  Having reread my initial post today, I would like to clarify that my complaint is with regard to the frequency of negativity.  

My complaint is also with the nature of the complaining.  I too have never sat on a college bench, and I too have complained when a team didn't play well, a coach made a call I didn't understand, or did/didn't play a certain player.  I have no problem with that type of debate.  In fact I welcome that type of debate.  However, there's so many great games, players, and happenings taking place in the women's game today that it's ashamed to come read a message board littered with nothing but venomous criticism of coaches and players.  

Who wants to mire themselves in negativity all the time.  More to the point, who are we to try to get into the mind of  a coach and judge her integrity, character, or morals.  More importantly, it's very disappointing and upsetting when grown adults insult, belittle, and berate 18-22 year old kids on a world wide website.  Just some food for thought.

I for one would love to start coming on here and read some positive posts and engage in debate over upcoming games, who the player of the year candidates are, etc.  Perhaps this thread might help to get that dialogue going.  For instance Bomber, you have presented your arguments in a wonderfully thought out manner complete with actual statistical research in some cases. Additionally, you have challenged me to see a different view point in a positive manner.  I just wish every poster approached things the same way.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Costanza on February 18, 2010, 10:20:05 PM
SOTIER1,

Whether you meant to or not, I loved your post and am still laughing out look.  Again, I've never coached a game in my life.  Quite frankly, I wouldn't want to.  I have no idea how coaches, teachers, or any one who works in a similar profession does it.  They work ridiculous hours, never see their families, and are often times largely under appreciated.  Clearly you're welcomed to your opinion, and I am welcomed to mine.  However, before passing judgement on my sensibilities feel free to try to make an effort to have a discussion with me.  As Bomber has already shown, a well thought out argument is a great tool to help some one see another side of things.  All that aside, I find it interesting that you have so many posts insulting coaches, programs, and athletes yet when someone finally throws a little critique your way you don't seem to appreciate it as much.  Or perhaps you're just so darned tired from waking up a the crack of dawn to tend to the livestock.  Oh well, I welcome your opinions and thoughts, and am more than happy to continue the debate.  In the meantime, good luck with the cows and send some 2% up my way when you get a chance.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on February 19, 2010, 04:47:29 PM
Costanza...Perhaps my choice of the words "only"and "class" were poor ones.  No player operates in a vacuum.  I agree that Coach Davis is one the better coaches in our region and Devin Croll is an excellent player as well.  You go on to comment that Berry may be the best player in the league, so really we agree (as we have in the past by virtue of your own posts).  While I have been critical of coaches on occasion, I have never criticized or singled out any player in a negative way (you can check, I did just to make sure).   I still feel that Rochester, Ithaca and Cortland are the top 3 teams in our region and that is what I meant when I said they were they "class of" of upstate NY women's hoops ( I did NOT say they were the ONLY class teams).  Actually, I have been a coach and am in regular contact with many current mens & womens d3 coaches.  It is very demanding, it does take a tremendous amount of energy and time away from home and family...which is the reason I got out.  Please don't take offense just because I don't praise your favorite or any particular player, coach or team.  My posts are usually brief and relatively infreqent.  I can easily defend my opinions if needed (bombers has already done that for me...Thank You bombers)  but I don't feel it necessary to do so in every post.   It's just my opinion.   Sorry to drag on, sorry to offend you and congrats to your daughter, whoever she is and whoever she plays for, and for her achievements.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 19, 2010, 08:49:22 PM
Bombers finish the regular season 16-0 in conference. Astounding job--as usual--by the women's team...

Also, I just saw the box score from that game...two things stand out.

Klie for the Bombers fills up a scoring sheet...14 pts, 6 reb, 5 steals, 4 blocks

Fuller goes 3-27 from the floor for Stevens...I know you've gotta keep feeding your best player, and with 7 offensive boards, there were probably some putback attempts, but you would think that at some point, you'd need to look for someone else to get a shot, no?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 19, 2010, 10:29:53 PM
In other games, Fisher edges Utica 77-76. Nice win for the Cardinals but not for the E8 as a whole. Utica probably slips further to the bubble as an at-large with the loss and if they were to get upset by Stevens in the opening round of the tournament, would be 19-7. Would that get them in? Maybe...

If my math is right, last season, prior to the NCAA's, the E8 had a combined 125-106 WL record. Right now it stands at 111-104. So, as a whole, the league has been down this year--since the league will go .500 from here on out, the games over .500 mark will go down from 19 to 7.

Given that they didn't get in at 19-7 last season, that small downtick could hurt. No, I have no clue how the SOS numbers vary, but right now Utica's at 96. Dicey....
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Costanza on February 20, 2010, 08:11:23 AM
First things first, I'll give credit where credit is due.  Level, I respect both your view point and most recent posting.  With regard to your thoughts on the E8, Utica, and Berry.

More importantly, and moving on to current games that was indeed a tough loss for the Pioneers last night.  Up 4 with two to play on the road and Fisher puts the clamps on.  Utica puts forth and incredible effort to battle back from a big half time deficit only to go flat at the end, missing a couple of free throws and scoring just one point in the final two minutes.  Gotta give credit to Fisher on this one for closing strong.  

I agree Bomber, that it could be trouble city for the pioneers.  At 18-6 with one game to go, a win in their last regular season game and at least one with in the E8 tournament would leave them at 20-7, and that may leave them on the outside looking in for the big dance.  For the E8 to get more than one team, someone is going to have to upset the Bombers on their home court and that's not likely to happen.  Despite all my  ramblings I can't argue with the numbers. A conference that goes 111-104 would spell a down year.

As for Ithaca they are a team ready to make some noise in the big dance.  Pick your poison.  Who do you try to stop?  Bixby? Brown? Klie?  Stop one of those kids and they have a number of role players ready to step in and beat you if you're not paying attention.  They can beat you in a number of ways are incredibly balanced and will be at home for the E8 tournament.  Finally, talk about a player filling up a stat sheet, Klie is a beast.  She does it all, defends, rebounds, scores, and even has a pretty solid assist to turnover ratio.  Where does she stack up statistically against the conferences best players?

Wrapping up.  It's nice to have some spirited and positive dialogue about the conference.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 20, 2010, 10:40:29 AM
Quote from: Costanza on February 20, 2010, 08:11:23 AM
First things first, I'll give credit where credit is due.  Level, I respect both your view point and most recent posting.  With regard to your thoughts on the E8, Utica, and Berry.

More importantly, and moving on to current games that was indeed a tough loss for the Pioneers last night.  Up 4 with two to play on the road and Fisher puts the clamps on.  Utica puts forth and incredible effort to battle back from a big half time deficit only to go flat at the end, missing a couple of free throws and scoring just one point in the final two minutes.  Gotta give credit to Fisher on this one for closing strong.  

I agree Bomber, that it could be trouble city for the pioneers.  At 18-6 with one game to go, a win in their last regular season game and at least one with in the E8 tournament would leave them at 20-7, and that may leave them on the outside looking in for the big dance.  For the E8 to get more than one team, someone is going to have to upset the Bombers on their home court and that's not likely to happen.  Despite all my  ramblings I can't argue with the numbers. A conference that goes 111-104 would spell a down year.

As for Ithaca they are a team ready to make some noise in the big dance.  Pick your poison.  Who do you try to stop?  Bixby? Brown? Klie?  Stop one of those kids and they have a number of role players ready to step in and beat you if you're not paying attention.  They can beat you in a number of ways are incredibly balanced and will be at home for the E8 tournament.  Finally, talk about a player filling up a stat sheet, Klie is a beast.  She does it all, defends, rebounds, scores, and even has a pretty solid assist to turnover ratio.  Where does she stack up statistically against the conferences best players?

Wrapping up.  It's nice to have some spirited and positive dialogue about the conference.

Klie's just a very good, all around player:

10.7 PPG (13th) 6.5 RPG (8th) .457 FG (6th) 2.25 APG (13th) 2.88 SPG (2nd) 1.04 BPG (5th)

You name it, she can do it well.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: bigbetty55 on February 22, 2010, 06:55:09 PM
Congratulations to the Ithaca Bombers on a terrific season!!  My son plays on the men's team and I'm sure glad I got to see so many women's games.  It's been fun to watch such team play and a lot of  unselfishness!!  Good luck to all of you and the coaching staff!  Hope you make a statement in the NCAA's!!!  GO BOMBERS!!!!!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on February 26, 2010, 10:05:37 PM
Ithaca-Utica for E8 championship. Will be a great game. Bixby for Ithaca proved once again she is  "big shot" Bixby. And Berry for Utica showed that she is just, as Ithaca coach Raymond said, "a stud player". Which supporting cast is better?? I believe Ithaca. But Utica bigs under basket  are stronger. Just talked myself into going to the game,hope to see you there.
P.S. What do you fans think of the Ithaca  college TV doing the broadcast? I thought they did a fine job.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 27, 2010, 01:06:30 PM
Quote from: SOTIER1 on February 26, 2010, 10:05:37 PM
Ithaca-Utica for E8 championship. Will be a great game. Bixby for Ithaca proved once again she is  "big shot" Bixby. And Berry for Utica showed that she is just, as Ithaca coach Raymond said, "a stud player". Which supporting cast is better?? I believe Ithaca. But Utica bigs under basket  are stronger. Just talked myself into going to the game,hope to see you there.
P.S. What do you fans think of the Ithaca  college TV doing the broadcast? I thought they did a fine job.

I'll refrain from a prediction since I'm covering the game today. I'll say this: The Bombers have had better balance than Utica in the games they've played. Berry has scored 55 of Utica's 125 points in those two games, whereas Bixby has scored 34 of Ithaca's 132. Does that mean Ithaca's got a better cast? Eh. Berry's probably asked to do more, but she's more than capable Frankly, I don't mind it if a team puts the ball in the hands of their best player a lot.

But Utica will need other players to step up as well. In the first half of yesterday's game, Berry had 14 of Utica's 22 points. In the second half, Fiore really played much better and you could see how much of a difference it made. No player, even one as talented as Berry, can be the only option for a team.

The Pioneers pressed on defense in the second half, and the intensity really helped, as the Ducks seemed to have trouble moving the ball quickly enough to get out of it. Ithaca's got better ball handlers (in my opinion) so they should have more success against it.

Either way, it should be a great game.

One question: Stevens only had nine players in uniform at the game. That seems amazingly low. The roster lists 12. Were people hurt? The way it was being called, I was worried they'd run out of players if the game went into OT.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on February 27, 2010, 06:48:57 PM
UC beat Ithaca at the buzzer to earn the automatic bid! Congrats to coach Davis and the Pioneers! Jess Berry made the winning shot....her 3rd and 4th points of the game, not a bad time to score! IC should still get an at-large bid. Nice to see 2 E8 teams in the NCAA's!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 27, 2010, 07:52:53 PM
Quote from: lileyes on February 27, 2010, 06:48:57 PM
UC beat Ithaca at the buzzer to earn the automatic bid! Congrats to coach Davis and the Pioneers! Jess Berry made the winning shot....her 3rd and 4th points of the game, not a bad time to score! IC should still get an at-large bid. Nice to see 2 E8 teams in the NCAA's!

Such an odd game...UC was in control up 31-20 and then IC went on a run. With 4 seconds to go, UC had three inbounds passes deflected out of bounds before the Berry winner.

I'm very impressed with Croll. She's so sneaky the way she comes up behind people to knock out the ball, I felt like I needed to look over my shoulder.

Kudos to the Pioneers. Croll and Berry combine for only 7 points and they win on the road. Not easy to do.

One thing to note: Utica's fans seem to have a very high basketball IQ and are very into the game (much more so than most IC fans) but they belittle the refs more than any other fans I've seen. Almost every call (and non-call) on the floor is met with disdain. I know refs aren't perfect and part of a fan's job is to complain but it'd be nice to let some of it go with out the histrionics.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on March 04, 2010, 06:14:30 PM
Good Luck to the ladys from Ithaca and Utica!! Represent the E8 well...!!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: kate on March 06, 2010, 10:32:54 AM
Good morning, E8 fans.  Sporadically, over the season, i've read comments on here that this is an "off" or down year for the E8.  Last night Utica came from 15 points down to beat former MAC member & Nationally ranked #9, i think, Moravian College 64/61 - Nothing off about that win!  Our Lady DeSales Bulldogs prevailed over Ithaca though, so please root them on tonight when they take on Williams.  I'll be pulling for Utica (no allegiance to Gettysburg).
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: lileyes on March 06, 2010, 09:19:45 PM
UC women fall to Gettysburg. They should be very proud of their season! Look out for UC next year!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on March 07, 2010, 03:33:50 PM
So the season ends for the E8. Another upcoming off season of renewed hope that your favorite team will somehow improve ,move up in standings,and yes get into or advance farther in year end playoffs. Sports fans are truly the great optimists.No matter how poorly your teams outcome was this season,next season WILL be different. Talk to you all next season where the Elmira Soaring Eagles will dominate...lol see what I mean!!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 07, 2010, 04:14:12 PM
Quote from: kate on March 06, 2010, 10:32:54 AM
Good morning, E8 fans.  Sporadically, over the season, i've read comments on here that this is an "off" or down year for the E8.  Last night Utica came from 15 points down to beat former MAC member & Nationally ranked #9, i think, Moravian College 64/61 - Nothing off about that win!  Our Lady DeSales Bulldogs prevailed over Ithaca though, so please root them on tonight when they take on Williams.  I'll be pulling for Utica (no allegiance to Gettysburg).

Nice win by Utica, however, the Ithaca loss kind of cancels that, at least from a conference perspective...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on September 06, 2010, 08:04:23 AM
OK E8 anyone ready to talk basketball yet. Had my interest tweeked when I saw the Utica women playing in the Olean Macker. Those girls "all back"... wow they will be VERY STRONG. Let us all know about your teams recruits....how they look.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on October 20, 2010, 01:48:59 PM
LETS GO E8...practice getting going. Hows your teams recruits looking whats first impression!!
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on November 20, 2010, 08:23:42 AM
Elmira....Rebuilding year....or has it been years.Looks like a good crop of newbies,hopefully they will stick through the growing pains.Where is Rupell and Lawlor ? Peterman will have to be the binding glue to hold it all together (a steady player who makes consistantly good decisions).
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: EC-Fan on November 23, 2010, 12:24:26 PM
Elmira's got some very promising freshman recruits, specifically in Zoltowski and Forrest...For the sake of the program, I truly hope that those players have the fortitude to learn how to further hone their game of Basketball rather than learning how to play the game of the mind which, over the past two years, has forced other very talented and driven players out of Elmira's roster. I am thoroughly impressed by the initial play of the newbies, but truly haven't been impressed by anything the existing "veterans" have shown to this point.  Even in life, there are Leaders and there are Followers, however, a Leader's attitude and drive cannot be successfully replaced by a Follower's mere ambition.  In a program which substitutes sycophants for athletes, things don't look good for the immediate future of Elmira's women's B-Ball.  Rebuilding of the program is indeed what needs to be accomplished if success is to be achieved in the extremely competitive ranks of the Empire 8 Conference.  Veteran experience surely will take a back seat to the promising new splash of youth in regard to being the formula for success for the Soaring Eagles.  It's time for the Freshmen to STEP UP and turn this team around !!!   

         
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: tecmobowler on December 04, 2010, 11:27:03 AM
Last night was a decent start..
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 07, 2011, 10:50:13 PM
Bomber women roll Alfred 93-42. Kind of an ugly game, as the Saxons had 31 turnovers. Riley Dunn leads the Bombers with 17, but it was really a team effort as nine Bombers had five points and eight had at least four rebounds.

Big win for Ithaca, as the Bombers are now 3-0 in conference.

The Empire 8 frankly looks pretty bad this season. Ithaca and Stevens are the only two teams over .500. Ithaca's 7-5, but with three of their losses coming against either Top 10 or D-1 teams, they've got to be the #2 behind Stevens.

I can't figure out why Utica struggles like they do (rough schedule?) but for a team with Berry, Fiore, McGee and Croll to be 5-6 is kind of shocking. Three of the Top 16 scorers, the top two in assists, the top rebounder and two of the top three in FG percentage. How are they not better? Lack of depth?

My only pet peeve was with the IC/Alfred game was the officiating. 38 fouls called, including 23 in the second half, during which the game was never closer than 20 points, and was 55-22 with 16:43 to go.

Maybe it's just me, but I wish officials would let stuff go on both sides when we get to that point. I know some of it's inevitable, and I'm not saying let it go into a free-for-all, but I kind of wish they'd just let them play. There were seven fouls called in less than a four-minute span that began with Ithaca up 75-37 with less than 8 minutes to go. Made a not-good game drag on forever
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on January 09, 2011, 12:43:07 AM
I want to agree with you Bombers on the officals letting some calls go "uncalled" in a blowout game situation. But my inner coach just cant get to that point. I would rather they stay consistant throughout.
As you are, I am very surprized by Utica's performance to this point, but I gotta believe now that the heart of E8 play is  upon us that their returning players will come through. I still believe that they will be on top at year end.
I wish I could say the same for Elmira. Oh for the days when opponents did not look forward to playing you, but rather feared you.I have reached the point of supporting the players, while waiting for a change.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on January 15, 2011, 10:28:50 AM
Well deserved Congratulations to Jessica Berry of Utica for breaking the school scoring record earlier this week.  An excellent blue collar player who works hard and  plays with a team first mentality.  She is only 56 rebounds short of 1,000 and closing in on 2,000 points as well.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 25, 2011, 02:18:23 PM
The E8 is looking more and more like a two team conference every week.

There seems to be a clear four in the E8 as far as the tournament goes (IC, Stevens. Fisher and Utica) but Ithaca and Stevens look like the class of the conference
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 28, 2011, 07:59:45 PM
Bombers go to 9-0 in conference with a solid win over Nazareth, 58-45. Ithaca has now won an astounding 27 straight E8 games.

Dangerous Bomber team, as despite five losses, they were to #1 Thomas More, #12 Rochester, #28 Mount St. Mary, Cornell and Cortland State. The combined record of the D3 teams IC has lost to: 58-9.

This is one of the reasons I think Ithaca has done so well in the E8 over the years. When you're consistently playing elite competition out of conference, it makes you better prepared for conference play.

Ithaca essentially clinched a berth in the E8 tournament with this win, as they are now 5 games up on a berth with 7 games to go.


Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 02, 2011, 03:25:49 PM
First Regional Rankings: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/category/ncaa-stuff/regional-rankings/
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 05, 2011, 11:30:02 PM
Bombers rout Utica, 75-61.

Score doesn't seem that bad, but trust me, it was not a game. Ithaca led 61-31 with 13:46 and by 20 with 1:53 left.

Utica seems like a top-heavy team. They've got some talented starters, but not a lot of depth. Looking at their season totals, Fiore and Berry account for 50% of their points, and when you add in Croll and Mcgee that number jumps to something like 85%.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 09, 2011, 03:33:57 PM
Looks like we've got our four tournament teams. I'd find it hard to believe that Stevens and Utica could miss the spots.

My gut says the Bombers wind up winning it, Fisher gets the #2 spot. I think Stevens and Utica lose once more, but Stevens takes the three seed based on the H2H wins.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 11, 2011, 11:17:39 AM
Bombers have a chance to wrap up the E8 tonight at St. John Fisher. A win clinches the #1 seed

Even with a win, I don't like Fisher's chances. They would be 11-3, while IC would be 11-1. The Bombers have already rolled Alfred and Hartwick and I can't see a 4-16 RIT coming in and winning at the Bulb.

So it looks like IC will be hosting for the third year in a row.

I hate to get all negative, but I really hope the Bombers can buck their recent trend and win the tournament this season. Over the last three seasons, the Bombers have gone 43-5 in conference play in the regular season and 2-3 in the E8 tournament, including losing two championship games at home.

I don't know if the Bombers can make it as an at large this season. They made it in last season at 22-5 and missed it two years ago at 18-9. This team would be at best 21-6 and at worst, probably 18-8 if they don't win it. They have a lot of losses against great teams (including a D-I school) but are currently 5th in the East region rankings.

The disaster that is the E8 as a whole isn't helping give anyone a quality win--the conference outside of IC is only 31-39 in OOC play and the Bombers aren't even getting Top 25 votes despite their only two losses in their last 15 games being a 1-pt loss to the current #1 team in the country--that loss has got to be killing them every time they think about it-- and a 3-pt loss to Cornell. (I know the poll doesn't affect NCAA bids, just using it as a general barometer for overall perceived team strength)

A win tonight would be huge. Not only would it clear another tough hurdle, being the #1 seed means they would likely avoid Stevens in the first round of the E8 tournament. The Ducks are the only E8 team to give the Bombers any real trouble this season so that's a plus.

Any other fans out there this season?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 11, 2011, 02:11:24 PM
Wanted to post some information I got on the hosting duties for the E8 tournament. Ithaca College is hosting the ECWC (wrestling) championships all-day Saturday, so the schedule is different than normal. Taken from "A Guy Who Knows Things"

If Ithaca hosts *either* tournament, but not both, the whole format changes:
#1 Ithaca hosts #4 in an early-afternoon game Friday.
#2 hosts #3 in an early-afternoon game Friday.
Highest seeded semifinal winner hosts other semifinal winner in an early-afternoon game.

If Ithaca hosts wbb but not mbb (for example), the mbb tournament would still be a one-site, Friday-Saturday set-up.

If Ithaca hosts *both* tournaments
#1 Ithaca hosts #4 in a noon-ish wbb game Friday.
#2 hosts #3 in a noon-ish wbb game Friday.
#1 Ithaca hosts #4 in an early-afternoon mbb game Friday.
#2 hosts #3 in an early-afternoon mbb game Friday.

Highest-seeded semifinal winners host lower-seeded winners in each gender's final Sunday.
If one school hosts both finals, it would be (approximately) a noon/2 p.m. doubleheader Sunday.


Basically, the #2 seeds get an extra home game (you're welcome)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 12, 2011, 06:47:54 PM
Bombers rout Alfred 73-43 and clinch the top seed in the E8 tournament. Ithaca has won 31 straight regular season conference games and 58 of its last 63.

Congrats to the Bombers
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on February 14, 2011, 12:06:56 PM
Congratulations to Jessica Berry of Utica on joining the elite 2000 Points/1000 Rebounds club. 

  http://www.ucpioneers.com/news/2011/2/12/WBB_0212114527.aspx
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 15, 2011, 10:54:06 PM
How good is Elissa Klie for the Bombers? In only 23 minutes, she puts up 13 points, 9 rebounds, 7 steals and 6 assists. The Bombers easy win over RIT is all that prevented her from at least a triple-double
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 16, 2011, 10:56:52 AM
So barring a Stevens loss to Elmira, it's going to be Ithaca/Utica and Fisher/Stevens in the E8 tournament.

The #2/#3 spot is actually important, as Ithaca cannot host both semifinal games on Friday. Considering Stevens blew out Fisher by 18 at home, and lost by seven on the road, I imagine the Ducks would like that #2 seed a bunch.

I like the Bombers to win easy over Utica. Unlike last season, when both regular season games were close, this season's games were both blowouts Ithaca led by at least 25 points in the 2nd half. I think Utica's lack of a bench really makes Ithaca a bad matchup for them.

If that happens, I would much rather see Fisher in the title game than Stevens.

Any Utica, Fisher or Stevens fans out there who want to weigh in?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 16, 2011, 03:34:38 PM
Week 3 Regional Rankings are out: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/2011/02/16/ncaa-2011-regional-rankings-week-3/
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: SOTIER1 on February 20, 2011, 12:04:08 PM
 Ithaca deffinately is an overwhelming favorite,but something in me cannot get past a "sleeping" Utica rising to the level of play at playoff time.They have too many vetern players to not come to play.That said I go out on a limb and call a Utica-Fisher final. On another topic, its time the Elmira powers that be end the current coaching experiment. When talented players  have their skills misused and or diminish over their careers something is amiss. When players make the same errors on a consistant basis, when there is no pick set, when timeouts are taken at the most inopportune times, its time for a change.Every new coach deserves time in a new league to adjust but there also must be a point when you say ,"you've had your chance".The same problems that existed at the start are still there after 3 seasons,it becomes clear  who the coach is.And what this coach is, is not good enough.If the Elmira Athletic Director wants to have the program, both womens and mens, that all other teams look forward to playing rather than fearing to play, then stay the course.If, on the other hand, you want to be competative and respected on the basketball court its time for a change.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 20, 2011, 03:04:58 PM
Quote from: SOTIER1 on February 20, 2011, 12:04:08 PM
Ithaca deffinately is an overwhelming favorite,but something in me cannot get past a "sleeping" Utica rising to the level of play at playoff time.They have too many vetern players to not come to play.That said I go out on a limb and call a Utica-Fisher final.

I'm going to leave, as usual, the Elmira bashing, to be. It'd be awesome if other people posted on here for a purpose beyond ripping the Elmira athletic department. But at least you made a courtesy effort at talking about something else.

I'll disagree with your final. I think Utica is way too top-heavy to hang with a team like Ithaca, which has a lot of depth. I think Ithaca losing to Stevens helps a lot, because the Ducks are all kinds of problems for Ithaca, but they have struggled with Fisher.

IC/Stevens is a toss-up, but if the Bombers get Fisher in the finals, I like the Bombers in the NCAA's
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on February 21, 2011, 01:19:16 PM
I believe the winner of Utica & Ithaca game will win the title.  My guess is Ithaca.  As always,  Utica is peaking at playoff time, but I agree that Ithaca's depth will prevail this year.   That said, Utica is certainly capable of pulling off another tournament upset. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 21, 2011, 01:23:51 PM
Quote from: TheNextLevel on February 21, 2011, 01:19:16 PM
I believe the winner of Utica & Ithaca game will win the title.  My guess is Ithaca.  As always,  Utica is peaking at playoff time, but I agree that Ithaca's depth will prevail this year.   That said, Utica is certainly capable of pulling off another tournament upset. 

If I were Ithaca, I'd want no part of Stevens in the final. Lot of pressure on the Bombers to win it all, as I doubt an at-large bid is coming for them. Certainly won't for anyone else
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 23, 2011, 04:28:26 PM
Final Regional Rankings before Selection Sunday: http://www.d3blogs.com/d3hoops/category/ncaa-stuff/regional-rankings/
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 24, 2011, 02:28:21 PM
Kean's loss in the NJAC tournament is another blow to any at-large hopes Ithaca may have. Looking increasingly like it's win or go home for the Bombers.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on February 24, 2011, 08:20:41 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on February 24, 2011, 02:28:21 PM
Kean's loss in the NJAC tournament is another blow to any at-large hopes Ithaca may have. Looking increasingly like it's win or go home for the Bombers.

I would agree.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 25, 2011, 11:15:13 AM
ord to the wise: The weather/roads in Ithaca are absolutely BRUTAL. The college has apparently started "monitoring" the weather in regards to closing. What this means for the games tonight, idk, but if the weather gets much worse...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 25, 2011, 10:32:00 PM
Bombers make quick work of Utica, win in a rout, 76-49.

Absolute domination by the Bombers. They opened with a 19-2 run, and the Pioneers never got closer than 12. Ithaca led by at least 19 in the whole second half.

As I suspected, Utica has no answer for the Bombers depth. Berry scores 23 of Utica's 49 points, and hits 11 of their 19 field goals.

Meanwhile, Ithaca gets astounding production all around. Shea goes 6-for-6 from the floor. Farley goes 10-of-12. Campbell goes 6-of-10. Klie has 10 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and four steals. Unreal.

In a somewhat related story, certain Utica fans need to quit screaming about the referees. There's a collection of fans who complain non-stop about them, and it's just classless.

For one, the officials only called six fouls on Utica the whole game. Second, Ithaca shot 64% from the floor, 71% in the second half. It's one thing if it's a back-and-forth game, but to criticize referees when you're

A) Getting most of the calls and
B) Unable to play even a modicum of defense

Is just lame IMO. Ithaca was, and is, clearly better than Utica. It's not meant to be rude, but it is what it is. They played three times this season, and none of the games were even competitive in the second half. Screaming at the refs in a 30-point game just looks childish
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on February 28, 2011, 12:33:18 AM
Stevens with a nice win @ Ithaca to win the E-8 championship.  I still look for Ithaca to be playing in the tournament though.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 28, 2011, 11:56:14 AM
Quote from: 7express on February 28, 2011, 12:33:18 AM
Stevens with a nice win @ Ithaca to win the E-8 championship.  I still look for Ithaca to be playing in the tournament though.

D3hoops has both in as well.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on February 28, 2011, 03:24:50 PM
How does Richard Stockton get in but Ithaca doesn't??
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 28, 2011, 03:48:07 PM
Quote from: 7express on February 28, 2011, 03:24:50 PM
How does Richard Stockton get in but Ithaca doesn't??

Wins over William Patterson (#3 in Atlantic), Barusch (#5 Atlantic) help. Ithaca did not beat a single RR team this season, losing to Rochester, Mt. Saint Mary, Cortland, and Thomas More.

The E8 was just bad as a conference and so going 15-1 in it, while impressive, means it was a record devoid of great wins. There's no way to sugarcoat it. Only four teams finished above .500 and 15-11 for Fisher and Utica means those aren't wins you can hang an NCAA resume on. Beating Stevens the last game of the season might have helped, but honestly, the one game you point to is the Thomas More game where the Bombers let a big lead slip away.

IDK if they were snubbed or not. It was a great season, but I think one that was just light on big wins--most of that isn't Ithaca's fault, but it is what it is. Congrats to all the seniors on great careers and here's hoping next year nets another NCAA run
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: TheNextLevel on March 17, 2011, 10:08:58 PM
Congratulations to Jess Berry...D3HOOPS East region POY
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 14, 2012, 02:56:57 PM
Bomber women continuing to run away with the E8 so far, winning games by 32, 18, and 14 so far, and currently up by 10 at Stevens. If they hold on, they will have beaten the three other teams who have looked the best so far this season in the E8. Plus, getting a win at a tough place like Stevens is always great.

Also, because the Bombers went 8-2 OOC, there likely won't be a scenario where, even if they falter in the conference tournament, they miss out on the playoffs, as they'd probably do better than last year's 20-7.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on January 20, 2012, 01:21:41 PM
This Stevens team this year isn't as good as they've been the last 2, 3, 4 years.  I'm not sure whether it's a coaching change or high roster turnover (transfers, injuries, graduation, etc), but Ithaca should run away and hide in the E8 this year since their toughest competitior (Stevens) is really having a down year.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 11, 2012, 11:20:49 AM
So what's the tiebreak for the E8 if both IC and the Wick go 13-1 in conference? Overall record? SOS? Does Ithaca's loss to D-I Cornell factor in?

In a related story, what happened to this conference? Ithaca and the Wick are 39-7, the rest are 55-79. And there's a chance no one but them finish better than .500. How has the level of play dropped so far?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on February 11, 2012, 10:17:04 PM
Assuming the losses were to each other I'd probably say SOS or the old coin flip.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 25, 2012, 08:02:21 PM
Bombers gut out a tough game, and edge Hartwick 43-38, to win the Empire 8 title.

Jess Farley is the heroine, as she buries two huge three pointers. The first, with the Bombers down 36-31 with 2:50 to go, might have kept the Wick from pulling away. The second, with 59 seconds to go and Ithaca trailing 38-35, was a game-saver.

Overall, good defense dominates, as the teams only hit 26 shots. Both teams should make the NCAAs.

The beat goes on for Ithaca. Only two seniors on the squad means another loaded Bombers team coming next season
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 02, 2012, 10:58:56 PM
I don't think you'll find a better performance in the NCAA's than the Bombers' game against Elms. Ithaca wins 84-37.

Elms had to be a better team than they showed tonight, but...I just don't know what their game plan was. It seemed like they tried to go to Denisha Parks first, but anything beyond that, there was nothing.

The Bombers had a 21-0 run over 7:07 of the first half, then an 18-0 run over 7:47 of the second half blew it open. Ithaca was +18 on the boards, and +11 in the turnover game. Elms shot a mere 12-for-50 from the floor for the game.

Dominating night all around...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: ohhhzababy on June 16, 2012, 12:18:29 AM
Good season this year
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on December 11, 2012, 11:55:40 AM
So it looks like I'll probably once again be the only poster on this board...Oh well. I'll try to spur interest regardless

I really hope the league rebounds from a dreadful 2011-2012 campaign that saw two teams finish above .500, but the early results are mixed. Through the first 30-40% of the season, only Ithaca (+90) and Hartwick (+99), have really impressive point differentials. Utica's the next best at +14, but they lost at home by 30 points to an Oneonta State team that lost by 10 to the Wick. I think it's shaping up to be a two-horse race in the E8 again between the Bombers and the Hawks.

Hopefully, there's some other posts in here this year. I used to try and post more, but seeing a series of posts from me and no-one else has turned me off of posting anything but important updates
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on December 12, 2012, 12:25:14 PM
Ithaca probably looks like the team to beat again.  Not sure who/what Harwick lost, and not sure how Stevens is doing.  Last year was dissapointing for them, but I'd look for them to rebound.  Don't think anyone else besides those 3 will be serious contenders.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on December 12, 2012, 12:58:15 PM
Quote from: 7express on December 12, 2012, 12:25:14 PM
Ithaca probably looks like the team to beat again.  Not sure who/what Harwick lost, and not sure how Stevens is doing.  Last year was dissapointing for them, but I'd look for them to rebound.  Don't think anyone else besides those 3 will be serious contenders.

Hey, there's the other poster! Nice!

Stevens looks tough to figure. They've played a brutal schedule, and seen predictable results, but losing to Utica? That makes me think they're middle of the pack. Utica will be in the mix, but their big weakness is going to be on the line. The team is 58% on free throws, which is bad enough, but Fiore (54%) and Greenwald (42%) are going to find themselves on the line more and more if they don't at least get up to passable.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on December 12, 2012, 03:36:45 PM
Last year Stevens played RIC tough, and RIC was the team who just dominated the always good LEC, but then went in the tank after that.  My prediction (Western Connectucut student so don't know much outside the LEC) but I'm prediction Hartwick Ithica finishing 1 and 2.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Ethelred the Unready on December 12, 2012, 07:56:31 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on December 11, 2012, 11:55:40 AM
So it looks like I'll probably once again be the only poster on this board...Oh well. I'll try to spur interest regardless

I really hope the league rebounds from a dreadful 2011-2012 campaign that saw two teams finish above .500, but the early results are mixed. Through the first 30-40% of the season, only Ithaca (+90) and Hartwick (+99), have really impressive point differentials. Utica's the next best at +14, but they lost at home by 30 points to an Oneonta State team that lost by 10 to the Wick. I think it's shaping up to be a two-horse race in the E8 again between the Bombers and the Hawks.

Hopefully, there's some other posts in here this year. I used to try and post more, but seeing a series of posts from me and no-one else has turned me off of posting anything but important updates

Some of us, while we don't post, enjoy hearing what's going on around the league. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on December 12, 2012, 08:18:18 PM
Quote from: Ethelred the Unready on December 12, 2012, 07:56:31 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on December 11, 2012, 11:55:40 AM
So it looks like I'll probably once again be the only poster on this board...Oh well. I'll try to spur interest regardless

I really hope the league rebounds from a dreadful 2011-2012 campaign that saw two teams finish above .500, but the early results are mixed. Through the first 30-40% of the season, only Ithaca (+90) and Hartwick (+99), have really impressive point differentials. Utica's the next best at +14, but they lost at home by 30 points to an Oneonta State team that lost by 10 to the Wick. I think it's shaping up to be a two-horse race in the E8 again between the Bombers and the Hawks.

Hopefully, there's some other posts in here this year. I used to try and post more, but seeing a series of posts from me and no-one else has turned me off of posting anything but important updates

Some of us, while we don't post, enjoy hearing what's going on around the league.

No-one's saying lurking is bad. But message boards are naturally better when there's a back and forth
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Ethelred the Unready on December 12, 2012, 09:13:12 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on December 12, 2012, 08:18:18 PM
Quote from: Ethelred the Unready on December 12, 2012, 07:56:31 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on December 11, 2012, 11:55:40 AM
So it looks like I'll probably once again be the only poster on this board...Oh well. I'll try to spur interest regardless

I really hope the league rebounds from a dreadful 2011-2012 campaign that saw two teams finish above .500, but the early results are mixed. Through the first 30-40% of the season, only Ithaca (+90) and Hartwick (+99), have really impressive point differentials. Utica's the next best at +14, but they lost at home by 30 points to an Oneonta State team that lost by 10 to the Wick. I think it's shaping up to be a two-horse race in the E8 again between the Bombers and the Hawks.

Hopefully, there's some other posts in here this year. I used to try and post more, but seeing a series of posts from me and no-one else has turned me off of posting anything but important updates

Some of us, while we don't post, enjoy hearing what's going on around the league.

No-one's saying lurking is bad. But message boards are naturally better when there's a back and forth

I'll have to look at league rosters and see if I know any of the current players.  I know "of" one at Naz, but that may be it.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 08, 2013, 07:43:25 PM
So, the Utica announcers seemed to indicate that Utica's head coach was unhappy with the officiating in tonight's game. Someone on Utica picked up a technical in the second half, so clearly something was an issue. Now, I didn't watch the first part of the game, but at the end, after an Ithaca foul, one of the announcers said "Well, they have to call a couple on Ithaca" somewhat glibly.

So it's interesting to me that:

1) Utica had zero fouls called on them in the first half.
2) Ithaca's first free-throw attempts came with 6:21 to go on the Utica technical
3) The first time Ithaca went to the free-throw line as the result of a Utica personal foul came with 3:46 to go in the game, and the Bombers up by 17 points. In other words, it was already over by the time Ithaca got the luxury of a free throw.

Now, as I said, I didn't watch the game. Maybe the officiating really was that bad, and the Bombers got away with things defensively that they shouldn't have. But it seems more likely that these officials just let things go on both sides. Regardless, there's some irony in a team picking up a technical for (presumably) going at the refs 34 minutes into a game where the other team hasn't shot a single free throw
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Ethelred the Unready on January 09, 2013, 01:53:45 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on January 08, 2013, 07:43:25 PM
So, the Utica announcers seemed to indicate that Utica's head coach was unhappy with the officiating in tonight's game. Someone on Utica picked up a technical in the second half, so clearly something was an issue. Now, I didn't watch the first part of the game, but at the end, after an Ithaca foul, one of the announcers said "Well, they have to call a couple on Ithaca" somewhat glibly.

So it's interesting to me that:

1) Utica had zero fouls called on them in the first half.
2) Ithaca's first free-throw attempts came with 6:21 to go on the Utica technical
3) The first time Ithaca went to the free-throw line as the result of a Utica personal foul came with 3:46 to go in the game, and the Bombers up by 17 points. In other words, it was already over by the time Ithaca got the luxury of a free throw.

Now, as I said, I didn't watch the game. Maybe the officiating really was that bad, and the Bombers got away with things defensively that they shouldn't have. But it seems more likely that these officials just let things go on both sides. Regardless, there's some irony in a team picking up a technical for (presumably) going at the refs 34 minutes into a game where the other team hasn't shot a single free throw

Having watched my share of girls and women's basketball, I can only imagine this was a brutal game where the officials just disappeared.  But you're right, that is a strange scenario.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 09, 2013, 05:19:06 PM
Quote from: Ethelred the Unready on January 09, 2013, 01:53:45 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on January 08, 2013, 07:43:25 PM
So, the Utica announcers seemed to indicate that Utica's head coach was unhappy with the officiating in tonight's game. Someone on Utica picked up a technical in the second half, so clearly something was an issue. Now, I didn't watch the first part of the game, but at the end, after an Ithaca foul, one of the announcers said "Well, they have to call a couple on Ithaca" somewhat glibly.

So it's interesting to me that:

1) Utica had zero fouls called on them in the first half.
2) Ithaca's first free-throw attempts came with 6:21 to go on the Utica technical
3) The first time Ithaca went to the free-throw line as the result of a Utica personal foul came with 3:46 to go in the game, and the Bombers up by 17 points. In other words, it was already over by the time Ithaca got the luxury of a free throw.

Now, as I said, I didn't watch the game. Maybe the officiating really was that bad, and the Bombers got away with things defensively that they shouldn't have. But it seems more likely that these officials just let things go on both sides. Regardless, there's some irony in a team picking up a technical for (presumably) going at the refs 34 minutes into a game where the other team hasn't shot a single free throw


Having watched my share of girls and women's basketball, I can only imagine this was a brutal game where the officials just disappeared.  But you're right, that is a strange scenario.

One of the things that bugged me about it was that two years ago, I was at the Ithaca/Utica E8 semifinal game at IC where some Utica fans were critical non-stop of the officials in a game

A) They lost by 27 points
B) Where 14 fouls were called against Ithaca and 6 against the Pioneers
C) Ithaca shot 4 free throws to Utica's 9

Now two years later, it's nearly the same story. Bombers win by 20 points, have twice as many fouls called against them and shoot half as many free throws, and yet, somehow, the refs are doing the Pioneers a disservice.

Look, we all complain about refs at some point, but usually it's when our team loses a close game, or there's a massive FT disparity against them. Utica's the only team that can lose in a blowout, win the foul battle handily, and still there's harping on the refs. Sorry, but the refs aren't to blame. This Ithaca team is deeper, and better, than Utica. That's why one of the teams is 11-1 and the other is 7-7.

So, the E8 conference again looks dreadful. After last night's games, only Ithaca and Hartwick are above .500 (Houghton is excluded) this puts tremendous pressure to either win the E8 tourney or go something like 23-4 as runner-up. If the Wick, for example, goes 20-7, are they going to get in as a Pool C with the conference as down as it is?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on January 10, 2013, 12:34:42 AM
What was Hartwick's regular season record last year, like 22-5 or somewhere around there??  I'd think they'd need to be around there again and make the E8 final.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 10, 2013, 11:00:51 AM
Quote from: 7express on January 10, 2013, 12:34:42 AM
What was Hartwick's regular season record last year, like 22-5 or somewhere around there??  I'd think they'd need to be around there again and make the E8 final.

They were 21-4. I agree with you, I think they could pull it off at say, 22-5. If they split with Ithaca, I think it's possible they win everything else. But losing two to IC would give them six total losses and they'd be short on good wins. Here are their non-E8 wins this season

St. Joesph's: 6-8
Union: 8-3
Drew: 5-9
Oneonta State: 4-8
Morrisville State: 0-11
Randolph-Macon: 2-11

Other than Union, that's a whole lot of nothing, unless something drastically changes in conference play. Ithaca's been left out at 20-7 when the E8 was stronger than it is this season. I'd be nervous dropping any more than five games total if I was hoping for a Pool C bid in this conference
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on January 12, 2013, 01:32:00 AM
Yikes!  Outside of Union (who just had their 7 game winning streak snapped Friday) that non E8 schedule is bad.  Would've liked their chances more had they been able to defeat New Paltz (currently unbeaten lost by 5), St. Lawrence (8-3 lost by 7) andMary Washington (non region 9-5 lost by 6).  As it stands now even 1 win over Ithaca may not even be enough.  Let's say they split with Ithaca, and win all their other regular season games that leaves them 22-4.  A gaudy record, yes but who they have beaten??  Union may not be very good when the seasons ends (just lost at home to a 4-8 team and in LL play still have William Smith (8-4), St. Lawrence (8-3) and Vassar (8-2) to play twice).  Of all the other teams on the list St. Joes is likely the only one to finish above .500, but that's mainly because they play in a USCAA conference, so most of their games are againbst non D-3 opponents.  Think Oneonta maight turn it around too and at least get it close.
But anyways to make a long story short can you really select a team that theoritcally could only have 1 win at seasons end against an above .500 team when there's going to be a lot of teams in contention from the Great Lakes, West and Northeast at seasons end??
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 12, 2013, 10:07:23 AM
Quote from: 7express on January 12, 2013, 01:32:00 AM
Yikes!  Outside of Union (who just had their 7 game winning streak snapped Friday) that non E8 schedule is bad.  Would've liked their chances more had they been able to defeat New Paltz (currently unbeaten lost by 5), St. Lawrence (8-3 lost by 7) andMary Washington (non region 9-5 lost by 6).  As it stands now even 1 win over Ithaca may not even be enough.  Let's say they split with Ithaca, and win all their other regular season games that leaves them 22-4.  A gaudy record, yes but who they have beaten??  Union may not be very good when the seasons ends (just lost at home to a 4-8 team and in LL play still have William Smith (8-4), St. Lawrence (8-3) and Vassar (8-2) to play twice).  Of all the other teams on the list St. Joes is likely the only one to finish above .500, but that's mainly because they play in a USCAA conference, so most of their games are againbst non D-3 opponents.  Think Oneonta maight turn it around too and at least get it close.
But anyways to make a long story short can you really select a team that theoritcally could only have 1 win at seasons end against an above .500 team when there's going to be a lot of teams in contention from the Great Lakes, West and Northeast at seasons end??

Yeah that would be tough....I mean, I think 22-5 (assuming an E8 finals loss to Ithaca) would be able to get them in, but that's as far as I'd comfortably go.

Stevens has played a rough schedule, but they've probably lost their five best OOC games, all but one by double digits. I'd like them more if they hadn't lost to Utica, whose best conference win was against Sage (Who lost to Elmira by 12).
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Roundball999 on January 12, 2013, 11:18:37 AM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on January 12, 2013, 10:07:23 AM
Quote from: 7express on January 12, 2013, 01:32:00 AM
Yikes!  Outside of Union (who just had their 7 game winning streak snapped Friday) that non E8 schedule is bad.  Would've liked their chances more had they been able to defeat New Paltz (currently unbeaten lost by 5), St. Lawrence (8-3 lost by 7) andMary Washington (non region 9-5 lost by 6).  As it stands now even 1 win over Ithaca may not even be enough.  Let's say they split with Ithaca, and win all their other regular season games that leaves them 22-4.  A gaudy record, yes but who they have beaten??  Union may not be very good when the seasons ends (just lost at home to a 4-8 team and in LL play still have William Smith (8-4), St. Lawrence (8-3) and Vassar (8-2) to play twice).  Of all the other teams on the list St. Joes is likely the only one to finish above .500, but that's mainly because they play in a USCAA conference, so most of their games are againbst non D-3 opponents.  Think Oneonta maight turn it around too and at least get it close.
But anyways to make a long story short can you really select a team that theoritcally could only have 1 win at seasons end against an above .500 team when there's going to be a lot of teams in contention from the Great Lakes, West and Northeast at seasons end??

Yeah that would be tough....I mean, I think 22-5 (assuming an E8 finals loss to Ithaca) would be able to get them in, but that's as far as I'd comfortably go.

Hard to tell, D3 selection system is crazy sometimes.  Hope finished 22-5 last year including a win over Ithaca, lost to top 5 Calvin in the league tournament final, and didn't get a bid.  But there were a bunch of strong teams in the Great Lakes region last year, that didn't help.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 12, 2013, 03:37:49 PM
Bombers put together an insane second half and blow out William Smith 69-38. Ithaca outscores WS 38-11 in the second half, and holds them scoreless the final seven and a half minutes. Seven Bombers score at least 7 points. Ithaca continues to roll
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 15, 2013, 08:26:49 PM
Man, Ithaca plays some disgusting defense. Allowing 46 PPG coming in, they only allow 29 to Elmira in another easy win.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 27, 2013, 09:51:31 AM
Bombers top Hartwick 53-45 and it looks like the E8 champ will be decided on Feb. 8 when Ithaca travels to the Wick. Fisher is making a strong run, having won four in a row overall. Stevens I just don't get. They lose by two to Hartwick, but then by 37 to Ithaca? And then they squeak by Elmira?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on January 27, 2013, 05:08:47 PM
Not only could that matchup Feb 8 decide the conference, it could potentially decide a pool C spot as well, only time will tell.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 11, 2013, 11:01:20 AM
Man, the E8 turned into an absolute disaster this season. Everyone but Ithaca and Hartwick is just mediocre. Nazareth is 8-14 overall and they can still make the conference tournament. Yes, a Nazareth team that has won three games by more than three points all season can still qualify for the postseason.

My best guess how the tournament shakes out:

Ithaca 23-2 (13-1): They've already beaten both Houghton and Utica by 20 on the road. I doubt things will change much in these two in Ithaca. Naz could be playing for their postseason lives, but I think they lose to Fisher, meaning they'll be playing out the string.

Hartwick: 19-6 (11-3): I think they beat Fisher and Alfred to finish strong. Could 20-7 get them a Pool C bid?

Utica: 13-12 (8-6): Provided the Pioneers handle their business against Elmira, they're looking at the #3 spot, and a rematch with a Hartwick team they've already beaten

That leaves the last spot to Fisher or Stevens. I think Fisher beats Naz and loses to the Wick, putting them at 7-6. Stevens will beat Alfred to go to 7-6, setting up a win and get in game between the Ducks and the Cardinals on the 16th in Fisher. The first game went to overtime before Stevens pulled away.

How big of a game is this? Consider Ithaca's results against the two squads:

Fisher: W 48-43 (OT), L 59-63
Stevens: W 92-55, W 55-48

No question who the Bombers would rather face.

I think the Cardinals—who have been playing better—take it at home and get the last spot
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on February 11, 2013, 10:39:29 PM
Hartwick: 19-6 (11-3): I think they beat Fisher and Alfred to finish strong. Could 20-7 get them a Pool C bid?
-----------------------------------------

With their schedule and the conference not likely.  Its good they play in the East though so it's possible.  If they were a couple hundred miles to the East and played in VT or MA instead of NY they'd have no chance. I mean in the East outside of the big 3 of Ithaca, Rochester & New Paltz what else is there?? Oswego state was 4th, but they've dropped 3 of 4 to fall out.  Geneseo was 5th.  They have a nice win over William Smith a blowout of New Paltz, but that's about it.  They have a game tomorrow against 18-2 Keuka, but really does an 18-2 team out of the NEAC maybe the worst conference in division 3 help you at all in the SOS??  St. Lawrence (6th) has lost 2 of 4 to blow their lead in the LL.  Hartwick (8th) since they lost to Ithaca twice have to win the E-8 tournament to get in.  Vassar (7th) i actually think has the most to gain.   They've won 6 in a row, are 19-4 overall (no quality wins however), but they finish the season with 2 road games: Friday @ Skidmore (12-10) a team that pounded them at home last month and Saturday @ Union (13-9). 
I think its safe to assume New Paltz, Rochester & Ithaca are locks.  I think those are going to be the only 3 East teams in the field, but if Rochester were to win @ Emory and snag the UAA automatic bid it could potentially open a 4th spot in the East, but that's probably going to Geneseo or Vassar, imo.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 12, 2013, 12:50:01 PM
Yeah not a surprise. Just an awful couple of years for the E8.

It's tough to gauge IC. They've got the narrow road win over Rochester, and a tough loss on the road to the Atlantic #3, but that record still has a lot of help from the conference.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 23, 2013, 08:03:18 AM
Bombers win 64-54 in a game that was not as close as the score would indicate. Ithaca led by 15 at the half and by 21 with 9:25 to go. Fisher never gets closer than 8.

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 23, 2013, 04:34:45 PM
Unreal...the Bombers turn in a defensive performance that tops anything they've thrown out this year and beat Hartwick 47-29. Up 18-16 at the break, Ithaca hold Hartwick to 7 points over the next 16 minutes. The Hawks shoot 12-of-48 from the floor, and Ithaca rolls.

The Bombers just play suffocating defense, and it's clear no one in the E8 can match them. Ithaca gets a school record 25th win
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on February 24, 2013, 03:13:54 AM
I think its pretty safe to say Ithaca is going to be the only E8 team represented in the big tournament.  Will be very interesting to see who they go up against, there's a bunch of teams I'd like to see them play which could turen out to be potential great matchups (Bridgewater state, USM, New Paltz, Montclair or Vassar).

Edit: You can scratch Vassar off that list, had no idea they lost in the semi's.  I doubt they get in now.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on February 25, 2013, 03:28:57 PM
Ithaca up to Maine to face Colby-Sawyer USM (host) and Smith is the other matchup.

Don't know much about Colby-Sawyer except I think they've lost once since December 8 I think and that was the last day of the regular season.   USM will be a bit of a bigger problem.  1 loss on the year, went through a pretty good LEC conference at 13-1 (5 of the 8 teams finished above .500), undefeated at home in the Hill gymnasium in Gorham and get an awfully lot of favorable whistles and calls up there so don't be surprised if Ithaca is on the short end of the stick, it's happened to Western Connecticut all too often.  As for the team itself go pretty good (10+), but not as good as the starters.  Spread the floor extremely well all 5 on the court can score from everywhere.  Not very tall, but they box out and play extremely good defense.  Should be a fun matchup next Sat if it does indeed happen.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 25, 2013, 03:51:19 PM
I'm a tad skeptical of the favorable whistles argument, only because their free throw disparity on the season (+13) and foul call disparity (+10) are pretty much normal, especially when you consider winning teams will often get fouled at the end of regulation. I'm not saying you're wrong (you've probably seen them more than me) but it doesn't seem to be borne out in a way that really impacts the scoreboard. In fact, last year, they shot 64 FEWER free throws, and were called for 48 more fouls. Maybe it's a home/road thing that I'm not going to break down, but I don't see a giant disparity looming

Honestly, Ithaca's a mystery to me. The conference's weakness gives me no idea how great IC is on a national scale, and this is a team that probably could be 27-0 right now. I think they have the depth to win, but who knows?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on March 01, 2013, 03:28:37 PM
Hey Bombers thought I'd pass this down to you, even though you may not see it until after the game:

USM is broadcasting both games this evening from Gorham.  Not sure if Ithaca has a broadcast, but you can watch the Colby-Sawyer Ithaca broadcast on littleeast.tv beginning around 5:25 5:30.  Will also have the second game USM vs Smith on there as well.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 01, 2013, 09:09:39 PM
Quote from: 7express on March 01, 2013, 03:28:37 PM
Hey Bombers thought I'd pass this down to you, even though you may not see it until after the game:

USM is broadcasting both games this evening from Gorham.  Not sure if Ithaca has a broadcast, but you can watch the Colby-Sawyer Ithaca broadcast on littleeast.tv beginning around 5:25 5:30.  Will also have the second game USM vs Smith on there as well.

Thanks for the heads up.

Business as usual for the IC women. Colby Sawyer scores 11 points in the first 3:20. And then they score 11 points over the next 22:48. Absolutely unreal the level of defense the Bombers can play.  C-S gets it to 6 in the second half, but no closer
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on March 01, 2013, 10:30:11 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on March 01, 2013, 09:09:39 PM
Quote from: 7express on March 01, 2013, 03:28:37 PM
Hey Bombers thought I'd pass this down to you, even though you may not see it until after the game:

USM is broadcasting both games this evening from Gorham.  Not sure if Ithaca has a broadcast, but you can watch the Colby-Sawyer Ithaca broadcast on littleeast.tv beginning around 5:25 5:30.  Will also have the second game USM vs Smith on there as well.

Thanks for the heads up.

Business as usual for the IC women. Colby Sawyer scores 11 points in the first 3:20. And then they score 11 points over the next 22:48. Absolutely unreal the level of defense the Bombers can play.  C-S gets it to 6 in the second half, but no closer

And you'll be happy.  Smith defeats the host USM Huskies 80-58.  Every team is a dangerous time this time a year, but I'm sure they'd rather take a neutral court matchup vs. Smith then a road game at a top 10 ranked USM team.  Since USM lost, not sure if they'll have the second round game broadcast on littleeast.tv.  It was available in the upcoming schedule this afternoon, but it's possible it gets taken down since the hosts are out.  If I find anything, I'll let you know.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 02, 2013, 07:48:03 PM
Bombers making quick work of Smith. Ithaca leads 39-19 at the break, and with their defense, I'm going to say this is over. Smith has absolutely nothing inside. Ithaca is out-rebounding them 30-12, and shooting 17-of-29 on two-point attempts.

Jenn Escobido has a dominant half with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Devin Shea has 14 points. Barring some sort of collapse, the Bombers are moving on to the sweet 16
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 02, 2013, 09:21:15 PM
Man, this Ithaca team is good

Livestats stopped working with 1:20 to go and the Bombers up 72-48. Smith briefly cut the lead to 16 at the half, but this game was never in doubt.

I don't know if Smith just doesn't have interior players or what, but the Bombers were unstoppable inside. Plus-23 on the boards, and Escobido and Shea were forces inside (31 points and 22 boards). Mary Kate Tierney adds 13 and 11.

Ithaca is as good as anyone right now...
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: gordonmann on March 09, 2013, 01:46:51 AM
I watched Ithaca lose to Williams 64-60 in overtime tonight and came away very impressed with the Bombers. Their offense was crisp, their defensive stiff and their mental toughness unquestionable. Williams made a lot of big plays and had a very energetic crowd behind them, and Ithaca still fought til the very end.

The Bombers are much better than their ranking and, with most players coming back, should be a force again next year.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 12, 2013, 04:09:36 PM
FYI - tonight on Hoopsville we talk to #18 Ithaca WBB coach Dan Raymond talks about the team's solid start, lone loss to Amherst and how the East Region and Empire 8 conference are shaping up this season.

You can watch the show TONIGHT starting at 7 PM EST: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2013-14/dec12 (http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2013-14/dec12)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on December 16, 2013, 02:45:21 PM
The Bombers are going to surprise some people this year despite being underrated in the polls. The John Carrol game being postponed really sucks, because it really would have given a more accurate barometer of where the Bombers stand than playing the #4 team in the country on the road did.

The Empire 8 looks a bit better than the last two years, when it was Ithaca, the Wick and then a whole bunch of mediocrity (or worse). Fisher and Stevens have picked up some wins, but I still think it's going to hurt, rather than help the Bombers.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on December 20, 2013, 12:46:56 AM
I saw Hartwick their opener @ Eastern against Mount St. Mary.  Now I know MSM is winless, but Hartwick completely dominated that game.  I think they hit like 13 or 14 three pointers, forced about 25 turnovers, scored in the mid 90's, they were impressive.  I also know they beat Eastern in that championship game by a pretty wide margin as well, but didn't actually see the game.  Not sure what they've done since that first weekend.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: magicman on December 31, 2013, 05:51:15 AM
Wow this hardly seems fair: DePauw defeats Ithaca 65-47. Bombers are 1x4 from the free throw line. DePauw goes to the free throw line 28 times and makes 19.  Isn't there some kind of rule that says that one team can't have 7 TIMES the amount of foul shots as their opponents? I mean home cooking or what? I'm surprised that Ithaca's coach only had 1 technical called against him. 
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: ronk on December 31, 2013, 10:00:58 AM
Quote from: magicman on December 31, 2013, 05:51:15 AM
Wow this hardly seems fair: DePauw defeats Ithaca 65-47. Bombers are 1x4 from the free throw line. DePauw goes to the free throw line 28 times and makes 19.  Isn't there some kind of rule that says that one team can't have 7 TIMES the amount of foul shots as their opponents? I mean home cooking or what? I'm surprised that Ithaca's coach only had 1 technical called against him.

  As a recent acquaintance of the parents of one of the Ithaca starters, I watched the game to see her play for the 1st time and didn't notice any bias in the officiating; I wouldn't have thought that there was that disparity in opportunities before u mentioned it. The technical seemed to occur when a foul was called on her when it should have been called on a helping defender, instead.
  The point spread was 7-11 for most of the game except when Ithaca cut it to 4(37-33) in the 2nd half. Her shots not falling(good shots) in the 2nd half was a big factor plus Depauw being a fundamentally strong team and playing on their home court.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 01, 2014, 09:31:58 AM
Quote from: magicman on December 31, 2013, 05:51:15 AM
Wow this hardly seems fair: DePauw defeats Ithaca 65-47. Bombers are 1x4 from the free throw line. DePauw goes to the free throw line 28 times and makes 19.  Isn't there some kind of rule that says that one team can't have 7 TIMES the amount of foul shots as their opponents? I mean home cooking or what? I'm surprised that Ithaca's coach only had 1 technical called against him.

Sometimes though, physically superior teams get to the line more because players get out of position on defense and reach. The foul totals were 16-9, which, while lopsided, isn't as bad as the 28-4 FTA disparity, and certainly nothing I'd raise an eyebrow over given the caliber of opponents.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 20, 2014, 12:35:34 PM
I'm starting this with the caveat that, outside of Ithaca, I have no idea if any of these teams have played anyone good. I'm just not going to to digging for SOS information.

The E8 appears to be on the upswing

The last two years have been embarrassing. Combined, only four teams finished with 15 wins, and just five were above .500. The 4th team in the conference tournament was 11-15 in 2012.

This year, already, four teams have 10 wins, and a fifth has 9. Yes, some of these teams need to play each other, and so the records will flatten a bit. But you're not going to have an 11-win team as a conference tournament member.

I still think the Bombers are a major sleeper. I'm always skeptical of a team that loses its toughest games. But still, Ithaca's got three losses to teams that are ranked #1, #3, and #16, and are a combined 38-0, and the John Carroll game was easily winnable. I get that they haven't beaten many (any?) good teams, but they're a team that returns almost every key player from a team that went 27-3 last season, won two NCAA games in dominating fashion, and then lost a road overtime game in the Sweet 16.

This team is probably in the 16-20 range, not 10 spots down in the also receiving votes category. I get it, their current resume is what voters have to use to make their decision, but I think they'll finish solidly in the Top 25
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Roundball999 on January 20, 2014, 03:50:18 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on January 20, 2014, 12:35:34 PM
I'm starting this with the caveat that, outside of Ithaca, I have no idea if any of these teams have played anyone good. I'm just not going to to digging for SOS information.

The E8 appears to be on the upswing

The last two years have been embarrassing. Combined, only four teams finished with 15 wins, and just five were above .500. The 4th team in the conference tournament was 11-15 in 2012.

This year, already, four teams have 10 wins, and a fifth has 9. Yes, some of these teams need to play each other, and so the records will flatten a bit. But you're not going to have an 11-win team as a conference tournament member.

I still think the Bombers are a major sleeper. I'm always skeptical of a team that loses its toughest games. But still, Ithaca's got three losses to teams that are ranked #1, #3, and #16, and are a combined 38-0, and the John Carroll game was easily winnable. I get that they haven't beaten many (any?) good teams, but they're a team that returns almost every key player from a team that went 27-3 last season, won two NCAA games in dominating fashion, and then lost a road overtime game in the Sweet 16.

This team is probably in the 16-20 range, not 10 spots down in the also receiving votes category. I get it, their current resume is what voters have to use to make their decision, but I think they'll finish solidly in the Top 25

Massey Ratings currently has the Bombers at #32, with 41st most difficult strength of schedule so far this year.  John Carroll and Amherst both lost recently so that #32 could drop a bit when Massey updates its stats.  4 losses is tough on the ranking though the Amherst, Depauw and JC losses are "good" losses that usually don't hurt the ranking too much.  But the Hartwick loss was statistically a "bad" loss and knocking off one of the ranked teams would have helped a lot.  No doubt Ithaca is a very solid team but eventually they will probably need to beat a Top 25 team to get the recognition.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 20, 2014, 05:22:41 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on January 20, 2014, 03:50:18 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on January 20, 2014, 12:35:34 PM
I'm starting this with the caveat that, outside of Ithaca, I have no idea if any of these teams have played anyone good. I'm just not going to to digging for SOS information.

The E8 appears to be on the upswing

The last two years have been embarrassing. Combined, only four teams finished with 15 wins, and just five were above .500. The 4th team in the conference tournament was 11-15 in 2012.

This year, already, four teams have 10 wins, and a fifth has 9. Yes, some of these teams need to play each other, and so the records will flatten a bit. But you're not going to have an 11-win team as a conference tournament member.

I still think the Bombers are a major sleeper. I'm always skeptical of a team that loses its toughest games. But still, Ithaca's got three losses to teams that are ranked #1, #3, and #16, and are a combined 38-0, and the John Carroll game was easily winnable. I get that they haven't beaten many (any?) good teams, but they're a team that returns almost every key player from a team that went 27-3 last season, won two NCAA games in dominating fashion, and then lost a road overtime game in the Sweet 16.

This team is probably in the 16-20 range, not 10 spots down in the also receiving votes category. I get it, their current resume is what voters have to use to make their decision, but I think they'll finish solidly in the Top 25

Massey Ratings currently has the Bombers at #32, with 41st most difficult strength of schedule so far this year.  John Carroll and Amherst both lost recently so that #32 could drop a bit when Massey updates its stats.  4 losses is tough on the ranking though the Amherst, Depauw and JC losses are "good" losses that usually don't hurt the ranking too much.  But the Hartwick loss was statistically a "bad" loss and knocking off one of the ranked teams would have helped a lot.  No doubt Ithaca is a very solid team but eventually they will probably need to beat a Top 25 team to get the recognition.

I've always wondered however, if a schedule like Ithaca's isn't given enough credit when it comes to W-L.

For example, is playing four decent teams the same as playing two elite teams and two bad teams? Mathematically, a schedule may be "easier" but less likely to result in a great W-L record

I don't follow enough hoops, so I'll have to use football. If you're a pretty good team, you might very well go 2-0 against two decent teams and 1-1 playing Mount Union and a horrible team even if, when the numbers are weighed, the two decent teams give you a "harder" schedule. Not saying that's what's happening here, just wondering if it might be, given the lofty rankings of two of the teams.

Again, IC's probably ranked where they should be, I just don't think the ranking is indicative of their true talent level

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Roundball999 on January 20, 2014, 06:34:43 PM
Good questions.  That's one of the reasons I referenced Massey Ratings.  The D3hoops.com and USA Today Coaches polls are put together by very knowledgeable hoops people but are still subject to the specific team knowledge, biases and preferences of those polled.  That said, I think both polls do a great job with the very difficult job of finding and ranking the top 25 out of 400 plus D3 teams.  The Massey Ratings instead take a statistical approach which accounts for strength of schedule, quality of opponents, with some adjustments for home court advantage.  It's formulaic in a way that rolls throughout the rankings, in the sense that if a team you've beaten gets beaten by a weak opponent, your rating will likely drop as well.

At least, that's how I think it works.  I've followed it for several years now and it seems to me to be surprising accurate.  Not saying its better than the other polls, but pretty good too.  It's fun in that it will use its formulas to predict scores for specific games, again I've found it surprisingly accurate.  Of course in any given game it may not be even close, but that's basketball for you.  Matchups, rivalries, injuries and illnesses and lots of other factors will screw up any statistical approach.

See http://masseyratings.com/rate.php?s=cbw2014&sub=11620 and click on a few of the links for explanations of their ratings methods.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 27, 2014, 11:24:08 AM
Bombers pick up two wins, including a huge victory over the Wick. Ithaca now tied with the Hawks for the top spot in the E8. Elmira lurking, but the 27-point loss to St. John Fisher makes me think they're not on the level of those two, though we'll learn a lot on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 03, 2014, 02:31:32 PM
I think, improved records aside, we're back to a two-team race in the E8. Who gets home court if both teams win out?

Elmira's 5-2 in conference, but they've yet to play Hartwick or Stevens, and have only played Ithaca once. I see them closing 2-5 on the year, and finishing at .500. I just don't see a lot of encouraging results—their two-point win over Fisher was offset by a 27-point loss. Fisher's going to steal that final spot

Final predictions:

Ithaca 13-1. Four home games and an Alfred team they beat by 43 remain. No Hartwick or Stevens.
Hartwick 13-1. I think they beat Stevens at home
Stevens 9-5. Sweeping Elmira and handling Naz gets them the three-seed
Fisher 8-6. Should handle Naz, Alfred, and Utica. Do not see them winning at IC, after losing at home to them by 20.

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on February 21, 2014, 02:06:19 PM
Assuming Hartwick & Ithaca both finish with wins this week, how would they break that tie since both their losses were to each other??  Coin flip??  Region SOS??  Overall wins??  Overall road wins??  Other??

Elmira is probably going to be the last team out.  Already lost to Stevens & Hartwick at home and have to go on the road back-to-back to play them.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 24, 2014, 10:30:22 AM
Quote from: 7express on February 21, 2014, 02:06:19 PM
Assuming Hartwick & Ithaca both finish with wins this week, how would they break that tie since both their losses were to each other??  Coin flip??  Region SOS??  Overall wins??  Overall road wins??  Other??

Elmira is probably going to be the last team out.  Already lost to Stevens & Hartwick at home and have to go on the road back-to-back to play them.

Somehow, the Bombers are the #1 seed in this tournament. Congrats to them. They continue to largely dominate the conference (84-8 regular season record over the last six years). Hartwick will be a tough out though. I can't see Ithaca losing to Fisher, who they obliterated at home a few weeks ago. The Bombers outrebounded the Cardinals 48-24 at IC and 45-27 at Fisher, so there may be legitimate size issues in the matchup.

The bigger question is, does the E8 get two bids if IC wins the tournament? I'd have to think, if the Bombers get to the final and lose to the Wick, that they'd get in, given that they're currently the #1 seed in the east
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on February 24, 2014, 02:07:36 PM
I think Ithaca gets in regardless.  Hartwick right now I'd say no, but if things break their way, they could sneak in.

Speaking of Ithaca, are they able to host tourney games this year??
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Roundball999 on February 25, 2014, 01:09:33 PM
If they don't win the AQ, I would say Hartwick has a good chance of an at large (Pool C) bid barring a lot of upsets in the league tournaments.  Hartwick was #5 in latest East regional rankings, but 3 of the teams in front of them are favored to win the Pool A AQ spots.  There are 20 Pool C bids available nationwide for the 8 regions, an average of 2.5 per region.  NYU probably gets one ahead of Hartwick but Hartwick would be next in line, again barring league tournament upsets.  If Ithaca or Vassar especially are upset in leagues, then they may snap up Pool C spots leaving little room for Hartwick.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on March 03, 2014, 02:20:45 AM
Even with the loss to Stevens on Friday night, Hartwick was the big winner this weekend as 3 of the top 4 East teams won auto bids and I don't think NYU will jump them, so Hartwick should be the first East team on the board when the selections start.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 04, 2014, 11:00:06 AM
So Ithaca's first-round opponent, Sage, lost by 51 to the Wick. They also lost to Elmira, and to a Utica team that went 7-18, and 2-12 in the E8. Many of their non-conference wins look pretty unimpressive as well (A Southern Vermont team that lost 70-17 to Fisher, a 7-18 RPI team that lost to Utica, a 1-24 Bard team that lost to Nazareth)

Ithaca topped the regular-season Sky winner, Farmingdale State, 75-60. So we've got a bunch of points of reference for comparison, and honestly, I just don't see how IC loses this game, barring the team just going ice cold or something of that sort. The E8/Sky games show me there's not a lot of heft behind Sage's 10-4 record there, and many of the teams they beat non-conference are nowhere near Ithaca's caliber.

Bombers win by 15-20
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 08, 2014, 02:05:04 AM
That was the most dominating half in the history of Ithaca College women's basketball.

The Bombers suffer through a first half of cold shooting and are tied 21-21 with Sage at the break. But the 2nd half is a different story, as Ithaca outscores Sage 46-9. Sage goes the final 9:43 without scoring. I don't think I've ever seen something like that in a game matching two relatively good teams.

I don't think IC sleepwalked at all, as they simply couldn't hit a shot early, going 8-for-32 in the first half. The 2nd half though, was just a flawless performance.

IC sports info, in the understatment of the decade, calls the 2nd half showing "solid"  ;)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 11, 2014, 10:52:48 AM
Much as I suspected earlier in the year, the Bombers were a Sweet 16-caliber team driven down in the rankings (fairly) for playing an insane early-season schedule, who then failed to climb up the rankings due to playing in a relatively weak conference.

While there's understandable skepticism about how the EB fares nationally, this squad basically returned everyone from last year's Sweet 16 team, making this run hardly a surprise.

Have to say though, I think this year's squad might not make as much of a game for their Sweet 16 opponent. It's hard to overlook a 22-point loss, as well as the terrible offensive starts Ithaca has had in the NCAA's so far. But, we always remain hopeful
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: ronk on March 11, 2014, 10:59:59 AM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on March 11, 2014, 10:52:48 AM
Much as I suspected earlier in the year, the Bombers were a Sweet 16-caliber team driven down in the rankings (fairly) for playing an insane early-season schedule, who then failed to climb up the rankings due to playing in a relatively weak conference.

While there's understandable skepticism about how the EB fares nationally, this squad basically returned everyone from last year's Sweet 16 team, making this run hardly a surprise.

Have to say though, I think this year's squad might not make as much of a game for their Sweet 16 opponent. It's hard to overlook a 22-point loss, as well as the terrible offensive starts Ithaca has had in the NCAA's so far. But, we always remain hopeful

2 pluses for Ithaca r that Amherst is w/0 their best player(injury) since that 1st game and it will be on a neutral court rather than the Amherst home court.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 14, 2014, 08:53:46 PM
The Bombers are onto the elite eight! A fantastic second half performance as Ithaca comes back from down nine. A triple-double from Mary Kate Tierney highlights the win. A first-ever trip beyond the Sweet 16 for the Bombers. Just a fantastic season for Ithaca
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on December 16, 2014, 10:45:18 AM
So I'm going to make a gripe.

How in the world is a 6-1 Ithaca behind an 8-2 Rochester in the hoops poll?

The Bombers absolutely WAXED Rochester at Rochester. They led 18-3 five minutes in and the game never got closer than 7. They led by 20 points midway through the second half. This early in the season, a wire-to-wire domination like that on the road should carry a lot of weight.

Ithaca's loss to JC at home obviously keeps them from the being in the top 25, and I know Rochester's schedule has been better than Ithaca's. But again, this wasn't some back and forth game that could have gone either way. If you're trailing by 20 points in the second half on your home floor, it's a little hard to justify that you're better than the team that handily beat you.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Roundball999 on December 16, 2014, 01:09:58 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on December 16, 2014, 10:45:18 AM
So I'm going to make a gripe.

How in the world is a 6-1 Ithaca behind an 8-2 Rochester in the hoops poll?

The Bombers absolutely WAXED Rochester at Rochester. They led 18-3 five minutes in and the game never got closer than 7. They led by 20 points midway through the second half. This early in the season, a wire-to-wire domination like that on the road should carry a lot of weight.

Ithaca's loss to JC at home obviously keeps them from the being in the top 25, and I know Rochester's schedule has been better than Ithaca's. But again, this wasn't some back and forth game that could have gone either way. If you're trailing by 20 points in the second half on your home floor, it's a little hard to justify that you're better than the team that handily beat you.

Actually, Rochester's SoS going forward appears to be much stronger but Massey says Ithaca has played the stronger schedule so far this season (38 vs. 108 to date; 156 vs. 32 going forward). I can only say that maybe the pollsters are thinking (appropriately) of an entire body of work, not just one head to head game.  But you'll give yourself a headache if you try to figure out the polls, especially this early in the season.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on December 16, 2014, 03:25:13 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on December 16, 2014, 01:09:58 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on December 16, 2014, 10:45:18 AM
So I'm going to make a gripe.

How in the world is a 6-1 Ithaca behind an 8-2 Rochester in the hoops poll?

The Bombers absolutely WAXED Rochester at Rochester. They led 18-3 five minutes in and the game never got closer than 7. They led by 20 points midway through the second half. This early in the season, a wire-to-wire domination like that on the road should carry a lot of weight.

Ithaca's loss to JC at home obviously keeps them from the being in the top 25, and I know Rochester's schedule has been better than Ithaca's. But again, this wasn't some back and forth game that could have gone either way. If you're trailing by 20 points in the second half on your home floor, it's a little hard to justify that you're better than the team that handily beat you.

Actually...Massey says Ithaca has played the stronger schedule so far this season (38 vs. 108 to date; 156 vs. 32 going forward). I can only say that maybe the pollsters are thinking (appropriately) of an entire body of work, not just one head to head game. 

If Ithaca has a better record against a tougher schedule and the H2H win, what part of the body of work places Rochester ahead?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Roundball999 on December 16, 2014, 03:28:51 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on December 16, 2014, 03:25:13 PM
Quote from: Roundball999 on December 16, 2014, 01:09:58 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on December 16, 2014, 10:45:18 AM
So I'm going to make a gripe.

How in the world is a 6-1 Ithaca behind an 8-2 Rochester in the hoops poll?

The Bombers absolutely WAXED Rochester at Rochester. They led 18-3 five minutes in and the game never got closer than 7. They led by 20 points midway through the second half. This early in the season, a wire-to-wire domination like that on the road should carry a lot of weight.

Ithaca's loss to JC at home obviously keeps them from the being in the top 25, and I know Rochester's schedule has been better than Ithaca's. But again, this wasn't some back and forth game that could have gone either way. If you're trailing by 20 points in the second half on your home floor, it's a little hard to justify that you're better than the team that handily beat you.

Actually...Massey says Ithaca has played the stronger schedule so far this season (38 vs. 108 to date; 156 vs. 32 going forward). I can only say that maybe the pollsters are thinking (appropriately) of an entire body of work, not just one head to head game. 

If Ithaca has a better record against a tougher schedule and the H2H win, what part of the body of work places Rochester ahead?

None.... ergo my headache comment.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 19, 2015, 04:47:32 PM
Ithaca is the early front-runner in the E8, as the Bombers are now 5-0 in conference, running their regular-season record in conference since the 2009-10 season to an astounding 75-4.

Still, this Ithaca team doesn't feel like some of the others that have made strong NCAA showings. Three double-digit losses, and not a lot of good wins. There were some major losses to graduation last year, so perhaps this is natural. But it seems like a bit of a down year
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on January 21, 2015, 06:31:53 PM
I know Hartwick lost their coach, but how do they look so far??  Is Stevens better than average??  Any other teams in the E-8 even semi-decent??
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 22, 2015, 09:38:17 AM
I know nothing about SOS outside of Ithaca, but Stevens is 12-2, Fisher's 11-4, and Naz is 9-3.

Considering that in 2011-12, there was an 11-14 team in the conference tournament, I'll take it
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 10, 2015, 03:36:08 PM
Some credit to the E8 is in order I think.

Ithaca is 17-4. Stevens is 17-2, and has lost only to Ithaca and 17th-ranked Salisbury, and Fisher is 15-5. No one is in the Top 25, but I think there's a little more depth in the conference, at least in the top 4.

The conference tournament should be interesting and may give some bubble teams a chance to pick up a win or two. Nice change from years where we saw 12-13/11-14 teams making the tournament.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: 7express on February 10, 2015, 10:33:56 PM
Looks like Stevens/Ithaca on Saturday is for the regular season title.  I'd give the slight edge to Ithaca since the Bombers already beat them in Hoboken and now get them at home, but definitely a fun game to keep tabs on.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 11, 2015, 10:07:17 AM
Quote from: 7express on February 10, 2015, 10:33:56 PM
Looks like Stevens/Ithaca on Saturday is for the regular season title.  I'd give the slight edge to Ithaca since the Bombers already beat them in Hoboken and now get them at home, but definitely a fun game to keep tabs on.

Yeah, Ithaca-Stevens games are always interesting. I think there's more riding on IC for this one, as they could use another quality on their resume

Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 02, 2015, 09:37:11 AM
D3 hoops projects three E8 teams in the tournament. Quite the showing.

Ithaca-Fisher played one of the best games in E8 history on Saturday, with the Cardinals earning an 86-84 overtime victory. Mary Kate Cusak of SJF had what might have been the best shooting performance I've ever seen, scoring 41 points and hitting eight three pointers. There were six ties and 13 lead changes. Just a fantastic game all the way around
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on November 29, 2015, 02:02:34 PM
Hoopsville returns from the Thanksgiving break with plenty to cover.

The season has certainly started with a lot of stuff. Rule changes, upsets, hot and cold starts, and more. That's why we added more Hoopsville shows to start the season! Tonight, we talk to some who have started hot, those with high expectations, and preview the final Wendy's Classic.

Hoopsville hits the air at 7pm ET tonight!

Guests include:
- Mike Daley, Wendy's Classic Director and former Nazareth men's coach
- Keith Bunkenburg, Benedictine men's coach
- Greg Mitchell, No. 16 Hope men's coach
- Abby Pyzik Smith, Lynchburg women's coach

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com (http://www.d3hoopsville.com)
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville (http://www.facebook.com/Hoopsville)
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville (http://www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville)
SoundCloud (podcast): www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville (http://www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville)

AND our podcast as been approved for iTunes!!! You should be able to find it... but here is a link, just in case: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 14, 2016, 03:36:13 PM
As the basketball spins... there continue to be incredible stories around Division III as we get further into conference schedules. Teams leading conferences that no one suspected, programs finding success with alums at the helm, and Division III making national headlines but not for the obvious reasons. Tonight on Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com), Dave McHugh talks to those still proving people wrong as the season enters the second half.

Dave is in San Antonio for the NCAA Convention, so tonight's show is pre-recorded. Dave talked to most of the guests before some played their midweek games. The pre-recorded show along with podcast will be available starting at 7pm ET here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/jan14

Guests include (in order of appearance):
- Dr. Oliver Eslinger, Caltech men's coach - NABC Coach's Corner
- Rob deGrandpre, Hilbert men's coach
- Kelly Dunne, Nazareth women's coach
- Zach Filzen, No. 22 Lancaster Bible men's coach (Gordon Mann interview)
- Ashlee Rogers, Marymount women's coach

You can also tune into the podcast(s):
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville (http://www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville)
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087)

And don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com (http://www.d3hoopsville.com)
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
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Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville (http://www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 28, 2016, 06:19:23 PM
There are several turning points during the Division III basketball season and we have arrived at yet another. The time in the season when many conferences start heading into the second half of round-robin play.

Thursday night on Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com), Dave McHugh talks to some of the teams who are leading their conferences after the first half of play and looking to keep up their mometum. Some have also emerged as an unexpected frontrunner - a theme of the season so far. McHugh also talks to a coach who has one of the more interesting coaching challenges in the country - leading a service academy program with height, practice time, and other restrictions.

Hoopsville hits the air at 7:00 PM ET and you can watch the show here: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2015-16/jan28. We will also have more information on next week's marathon show along with the third-annual fundraising efforts.

Guests include (in order):
- John Krikorian, No. 9 Christopher Newport men's coach
- Chad Shutler, No. 21 Bluffton women's coach
- Kevin Jaskiewicz, Coast Guard men's coach (NABC Coach's Corner)
- Marianne O'Connor-Ermi, St. John Fisher women's coach
- Brad Bjorkgren, Simpson men's coach

You can also tune into the podcast(s) after the show has aired:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville (http://www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville)
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087)

And don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com (http://www.d3hoopsville.com)
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville (http://www.facebook.com/Hoopsville)
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville (http://www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 03, 2016, 04:55:28 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
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/d3hoopsville

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: Empire Eight
Post by: Pat Coleman on February 10, 2016, 02:35:57 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: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 18, 2016, 03:54:27 PM
The holiday break for some teams has started and for others is about to begin. Where does everyone stand? What have we learned as we finish the first "half" of the season? On Sunday's edition of Hoopsville, Dave talks to some teams who are making waves early and takes the pulse of the season so far.

It is also the First Semester Finale of Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) which will be off the air for the holidays returning on Thursday, January 5, 2017.

You can watch Hoopsville starting at 7:00 PM here: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2016-17/dec18

Guests include (in order of appearance):
- Veronica Nolt, Elizabethtown women's coach
- Dan Raymond, Ithaca women's coach
- Marc Brown, New Jersey City men's coach
- Other guests to be determined

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

A reminder that Thursday's edition of Hoopsville will not take place due to D3football.com coverage of Gagliardi Trophy and Stagg Bowl next week. We will be back on air Sunday, December 18 for the final show before the Christmas holiday. Hoopsville will then return on January 5, 2017 and air Sundays and Thursdays at 7:00 PM ET for the rest of the season.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 03, 2017, 10:06:02 PM
After a slight down year (for them) last year, the IC women continue to roll this season, at 8-1, and a victory at (then) #9 Rochester. Looks like they'll be bringing home their 7th 20-win season of the past 8.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on January 30, 2017, 09:57:41 AM
Strange year in the E8.

Bombers are 15-3 overall, but have lost two the top two teams in the conference, including a staggering 31-point loss at Stevens. They've yet to get either at home. Stevens is 8-1 in conference, but, due to a really tough OOC schedule, just 9-8 overall. There's a lot riding on the Pool A for Stevens, I think.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 07, 2017, 10:07:51 AM
Ithaca takes out Stevens by 21. Wow.

The top 4 in the E8 are clear. It remains to be seen how the top 3 sort themselves.

Given that IC/Wick play each other, Stevens will likely pass one of them. But how would an Ithaca/Stevens tiebreaker play out if they split and each had a loss to the Wick?
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on February 28, 2017, 09:18:17 AM
Ithaca takes the E8 title with a 77-74 win at Stevens in a game that wasn't really that close.

The Bombers, with a 77-70 lead and 1:04 to go, miss a mind-boggling 10 straight free throws and Stevens almost climbs back.

Ithaca is now 24-3, and have won at least 23 games six of the last 7 years.
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Bombers798891 on March 04, 2017, 11:25:51 AM
Survive and advance. On to round 2
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 15, 2018, 10:59:21 PM
As the regular season draws ever closer to the end, the intensity of conference races increases. There are very few teams in both the men's and women's side of Division III basketball that seem comfortable at the top. With conference tournaments starting, being at the top is important, but it also comes with a big target.

This Thursday's Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) is a special podcast edition - not live.

On the show, Dave talks to several coaches who teams seem like they have wrapped up their conferences races and one who may not be able to take the top spot, but is in great position to win it all their first time in the league.

We also talk to a coach who has more time than it seems anyone else. How she is using that time to help her school's SAAC in many ways and how that help is allowing the student-athletes at Southern Maine to give back to the school, the community, and many more.

Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can listen to this week's podcast here: http://bit.ly/2EtvKH0

If you have questions, be sure to email them to hoopsville@d3hoops.com or interact with the show via the social media avenues.

A reminder, Hoopsville will return to live shows on Sunday, February 18, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Guests include (in order of appearance):
- Pete Moran, No. 18 John Carroll men's coach
- Allison Coleman, Sage women's coach
- Samantha Allen, Southern Maine women's coach (WBCA Center Court)
- Trevor Woodruff, No. 13 Scranton women's coach

To get access to all the podcasts during the season, there are three ways (click on the images when necessary):
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdnak1.psbin.com%2Fimg%2Fmw%3D150%2Fmh%3D39%2Fcr%3Dn%2Fd%3D34qaz%2Ffrghgxk7kqd172nn.jpg&hash=6ef41ddb2f5e1c3420db88961e4f9e8a76ca72de) (https://apple.co/2E9e0Bl)
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Don't forget you can always interact with us:
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Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 21, 2018, 03:01:16 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

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdnak1.psbin.com%2Fimg%2Fmw%3D600%2Fmh%3D600%2Fcr%3Dn%2Fd%3D0begr%2Fubzdidgxaify2q9n.jpg&hash=68b1f68498c4a6922677a000ef21ce5f57ae4bbb)
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on August 11, 2018, 11:19:35 AM
Stevens to leave Empire 8: http://d3sports.com/notables/2018/08/stevens-moving-to-freedom
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 20, 2019, 03:00:58 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: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 29, 2020, 09:29:59 PM
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=4w24l/es7kvekeakkuc1v8.jpg)

Time for a marathon!

Thursday, Hoopsville will be on the air for at least nine hours in the 7th Annual Hoopsville Marathon Show.

This year's show will feature coaches, administrators, and many others around Division III to give us a sense of the season to date and what is to come. There is only a month or so left in the regular season, so there is plenty to talk about.

For more information about the show and its impact, click here.

The show's guest list is below with a rough idea of when they were scheduled to appear during the live show.

The marathon is also a chance to fundraise of the show. Many fans of Hoopsville ask often how they can give to the program so we can continue doing our work into the future. In the first few years of the Marathon, the fundraising side was an important aspect. However in the last few years, we have shyed away from fundraising as we tried to find other means to financially run the program. After requests from many, we are do have a few ways fans can contribute.

Hoopsville is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can watch the entire Marathon show LIVE in the video player above. We will effort to turn around podcast episodes of the entire show. They will be available to the right (after the show is off the air).

Guests appear on the Hoopsville Hotline presented by BlueFrame Technology.

And don't forget to interact with the Dave and guests. You can use the social media option to the right and even email (dave.mchugh@d3sports.com) questions to the show.


When it comes to the game of basketball, we love celebrating not only the student-athletes in Division III, but also those who help carry the game forward sometimes outside of the spotlight.

Sunday on Hoopsville, we celebrate those who have made the game of basketball, especially at DIII, so great. Coaches who continue to excel in different parts of the country and programs who play for more than just themselves.

Hoopsville (http://www.d3hoopsville.com) is presented by D3hoops.com and airs from the WBCA/NABC Studio. You can watch Thursday's Marathon Show in the following ways:
- Main page: www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville
- Show page: http://bit.ly/2GBqAuZ (or www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2019-20/marathon)
- 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

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.

Hoopsville Marathon Schedule
Timing approximate and subject to change

























Time (ET)GuestSchool/Institution
12:20 p.m.Jim CalhounSt. Joseph's (Conn.) men's coach
12:40 p.m.Pat JuckemNo. 11 WashU men's coach
1:00 p.m.Brian MorehouseNo. 3 Hope women's coach
1:20 p.m.Lauren BusalacchiRipon women's coach
1:40 p.m.Ryan HylandJohn Jay men's coach
2:00 p.m.Dan DutcherNCAA VP for Division III
2:40 p.m.Karin HarveyMontclair State women's coach, Women's National Committee chair
3:00 p.m.Adrienne ShiblesNo. 2 Bowdoin women's coach
3:20 p.m.Kate PearsonCabrini women's coach
3:40 p.m.Matt GilbrideRPI men's coach
4:00 p.m.Sam AtkinsonGallaudet Associate AD for Comm., Men's National Committee Chair
4:20 p.m.Matt DonohueCatholic women's coach
4:40 p.m.Charles KatsiaficasPomona-Pitzer men's coach
5:00 p.m.Jon HerbrechtsmeyerNo. 5 Bethel women's coach
5:20 p.m.Chris CarideoWidener men's coach
5:40 p.m.Dave HixonAmherst men's coach (sabbatical)
6:00 p.m.Tricia CullopWBCA Board President, Toledo women's coach
6:20 p.m.Alex RicheyNo. 18 Oglethorpe women's coach
6:40 p.m.Jody MayAlbion men's coach
7:00 p.m.Dave MacedoNo. 18 Virginia Wesleyan men's coach
7:20 p.m.Melissa KuberkaSt. John Fisher women's coach
8:00 p.m.HOOPSVILLE HAPPY HOUR A gaggle of some of the shows friends - to be announced
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 12, 2020, 03:35:55 PM
Women's first Regional Rankings released.

https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-first
Title: Re: Empire Eight
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on February 26, 2020, 02:24:49 PM
Women's third regional rankings are out: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2020/02/women-regional-rankings-third
Title: Re: WBB: Empire 8
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on December 09, 2021, 06:04:45 PM
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=3vdsu/ypsmfff3ntqmfkdq.jpg)

For two programs this week, the number 25 is probably considered lucky. For many, it represents the bottom of a Top 25 ranking, but for those in the 25th slot ... it means they are ranked.

St. John Fisher hasn't been ranked since "Desperate Housewives," "Boston Legal," "The Shield," and "Fear Factor" where some of the most popular shows on television. The top movie was "Coach Carter." However, Coach Melissa Kuberka has gotten her Cardinals squad back into the rankings after a terrific start to the 2021-22 season. We talk to her about the team's success and how the rest of the season could shape up.

For DeSales, there were signs they were going to be good during the COVID season. Not all teams are able to duplicate that short-season success, but the Bulldogs are off to an undefeated start. Coach Scott Coval discusses just how good the team is and why we haven't seen the unit at it's very best. Plus, one can still break a backboard in today's game? DeSales found out it is possible.

Plus, Yeshiva is getting plenty of attention now that they have been ranked #1 in the D3hoops.com Top 25 poll the last few weeks. But do you really know the Macabees and their program? We talk to Gary Belsky who wrote an expose on the program for ESPN. It's a must read and a must listen to segment.

And UW-Eau Claire Athletics have big plans for future Blugolds and DIII championships. Introducing the $70 million Sonnetag Center. AD Dan Schumacher discusses the significant way UWEC could shift championships and even regional recruiting by 2024.

You can watch the show LIVE (or on demand) here: https://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2021-22/dec9

Guests List:
- #25 St. John Fisher women's coach Melissa Kuberka
- #25 DeSales men's coach Scott Coval
- ESPN Writer Gary Belsky
- UW-Eau Claire Director of Athletics Dan Schumacher

Hoopsville broadcasts from the NABC Studio. All guests are featured on the BlueFrame Technology Hoopsville Hotline.

If you have questions, ideas, or want to interact with the show, feel free to send them to hoopsville@d3sports.com or use any of the social media options available.

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


 
   
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkf/zp2t977dsfqmq2ng.jpg) (https://apple.co/2E9e0Bl)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkf/7jdya7ckqexrfad3.jpg) (http://bit.ly/2rFfr7Z)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gzu/0qxioniqi7kizek9.jpg) (https://spoti.fi/2qoExnV)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkg/qlios5f6juz7tij9.jpg) (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-hoopsville-30984615/)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkf/otimp41swikeb9uf.jpg) (https://castbox.fm/app/castbox/player/id332395)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkg/vpaw3ejt1tsc9r48.jpg) (https://radiopublic.com/hoopsville-6nkZN8)

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@d3sports.com
Hoopsville Season Archive: www.team1sports.com/Hoopsville
YouTube: www.youtube.com/d3hoopsville
Title: Re: WBB: Empire 8
Post by: Dave 'd-mac' McHugh on January 13, 2022, 11:32:42 PM
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=710/cr=n/d=5o1qw/tjqzhjvixk205jq4.jpg)

Believe it or not, the Division III basketball season is basically at it's midway point - at least in terms of games played for most teams. Now everyone's focus turns towards the end of February and positioning themselves for conference tournaments and hopefully NCAA glory.

If COVID will allow, of course.

On Thursday's edition of Hoopsville, we talk with a few programs who appear to be in very good position midway through January. Of course, each will likely tell us there is a long way to go.

Plus we debut the women's edition of the Top 25 Double-Take. Gordon Mann and Riley Zayas, of Tru to the Cru, join the show with their Dubious, Deep Dive, and Debatable teams throughout Division III.

Watch the show On Demand here: https://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2021-22/jan13

Or the simulcast versions on our Facebook Live page (www.facebook.com/Hoopsville (http://www.facebook.com/Hoopsville)) and YouTube page (http://www.youtube.com/Hoopsville (http://www.youtube.com/Hoopsville))

Guests include:
- Aaron Griess, Augsburg men's coach
- Doreen Carden, Albion women's coach
- Dan Pruessner, Eastern men's coach
- Michele Davis, Utica women's coach
- Women's Top 25 Double-Take: Gordon Mann, D3hoops.com, Riley Zayas, True to the Cru

Hoopsville is hosted by Dave McHugh from the the NABC Studio. It is presented by D3hoops.com and thanks to our partner WBCA. All guests are featured on the BlueFrame Technology Hoopsville Hotline.

If you have questions, ideas, or want to interact with the show, feel free to send them to hoopsville@d3sports.com or use any of the social media options available.

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


 
   
(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkf/zp2t977dsfqmq2ng.jpg) (https://apple.co/2E9e0Bl)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkf/7jdya7ckqexrfad3.jpg) (http://bit.ly/2rFfr7Z)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gzu/0qxioniqi7kizek9.jpg) (https://spoti.fi/2qoExnV)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkg/qlios5f6juz7tij9.jpg) (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-hoopsville-30984615/)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkf/otimp41swikeb9uf.jpg) (https://castbox.fm/app/castbox/player/id332395)(https://cdn.prestosports.com/action/cdn/img/mw=300/mh=150/cr=n/d=40gkg/vpaw3ejt1tsc9r48.jpg) (https://radiopublic.com/hoopsville-6nkZN8)

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
Video Portal (and archives): www.team1sports.com/Hoopsville
Twitter: @d3hoopsville (http://www.twitter.com/d3hoopsville) or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3sports.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/d3hoopsville